IND v ENG 2021: Zaheer Khan tempted to bring Ishan Kishan over KL Rahul for 5th T20I

Ishan Kishan had missed out of the fourth T20I because of injury.

KL Rahul | GETTY

Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan hopes to see Ishan Kishan over KL Rahul in the final T20I against England. Rahul is out of form and he has struggled with the bat the whole series. His average in four innings is 3.75 with a couple of ducks.

Kishan, on the other hand, played a handy knock in his debut game where he scored 56 runs after being sent as an opener. But he was left out for the fourth T20I because of injury.

Zaheer believes if the southpaw is fit ahead of the series decider, India should opt for him in place of Rahul. Apart from Kishan's inclusion, he wants Akshar Patel to get into the playing XI.

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"I will be honest, yes I will be tempted (to bring Ishan Kishan in instead of KL Rahul). And I will be tempted to make two changes, bring in a left-arm spinner (Akshar Patel) and maybe look to use him with the new ball and if Ishan Kishan is fit and available.

"Maybe throw the guy (Kishan) under pressure match. The decider is going to be a big one, let's see how he responds. Sometimes it helps when you don't have that clutter of thoughts, you are keeping things simple, looking to be aggressive.

“It has paid off in the first game (2nd T20I), he has looked comfortable or you can get a glimpse of what he can bring to the table if he is put under tremendous pressure," Zaheer Khan told Cricbuzz.Live TV.

India leveled the series with a win in the fourth T20I. It was the first instance of a team winning the match after batting first in the series. 

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 20 Mar, 2021

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