Will back Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav if KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are not fit – Saba Karim

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim wants the selectors to back Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in case KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are not fit. Both Rahul and Iyer are not expected to be included for the upcoming Asia Cup and there are doubts over their participation in the ODI World Cup.

While SKY is yet to take the ODI format by storm, Kishan had done a good job in the recent ODI series against the West Indies. However, Karim feels Suryakumar Yadav has experience in ODI cricket and he will back him.

In 26 ODIs, SKY has scored only 511 runs at an average of 24.33 and he will need to turn the tables in the upcoming tournaments. On the other hand, Kishan scored a total of 184 runs in three matches at an impressive average of 61.33 and a blistering strike rate of 111.52 against the West Indies. Ergo, he was awarded the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances.

“The selectors should take KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer into consideration – they can be included in the team if they are fit. But the wait has not ended, the team will be announced on the 20th from what I know, they have the time until then. But if they are not fit, Ishan Kishan is a good option against Rahul since he can bat as an opener and in the middle-order,” Saba Karim said on Jio Cinema.

“If Shreyas Iyer is not fit, you have 2-3 options to pick from, in Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav. But for me, Suryakumar has gained experience of playing one-day cricket both domestically and internationally. I will still back Suryakumar Yadav,” Karim commented.

Karim, a former Indian selector, also shared his thoughts on the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who will lead the team against Ireland. Karim feels the captaincy responsibility will only help Bumrah in understanding his body better.

“The team management and selectors would be more concerned about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness levels and match fitness. This (series) is a T20 format and it (captaincy) won’t add more burden on him. It will only help him to understand his body better. They (India) are playing three T20 games, he can play at different phases.”

The first T20I between India and Ireland will be played at the Village, Dublin on Friday.