Legendary Indian batter VVS Laxman heaped praise on Ishan Kishan for his batting abilities and reckoned that the youngster can play against Namibia in the Indian cricket team’s last match in the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 on Monday (November 7) in Dubai.
Team India’s final fixture against Namibia is a dead rubber match because New Zealand has already progressed to the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2021 along with Pakistan from Group 2 after thrashing Afghanistan by 8 wickets on Sunday (November 7).
Given this fact, Laxman believes that Team India can try Kishan against Namibia. He also highlighted some areas where India must look at keeping in mind the next year’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.
Laxman said on Star Sports' show 'Game Plan': “Oh well there is no doubt, I think that he is a very talented player. Ishan Kishan is someone who uses the powerplay field restrictions, plays his brand of cricket. Having said that, as Virat Kohli relinquishes his captaincy after that the choice will be Rohit Sharma, he is most destructive and consistent to win matches for India in that position where he goes in as an opener and then KL Rahul we know what a talent he is and what a match-winner he is.”
He further added, “So, how can you disturb these two established openers just to accommodate Ishan Kishan. So that's probably the question, which will be on the minds of team management and the selection committee. But, probably keeping in mind that there is no consequence to the match which is going to happen against Namibia. Probably in this match they can try Ishan Kishan.”
The legendary cricket also suggested that India needs to identify more bowlers and batsmen who can bowl at least 2 overs if they want to have a chance in the next T20 World Cup 2022.
Laxman explained, “Yeah I think it is very important to identify a couple of bowlers who bowl quickly because the conditions in Australia will be totally different, where I'm not sure the ball will swing too much. But having someone who can bowl quick, extract the bounce and pace of that wicket and at the same time can use the variations because you want someone who can also finish off the innings well with the ball.”
He signed off by saying, “The other important aspect is to identify batsmen who can bowl because we've seen that if you have the sixth or seventh bowling option, the captain will definitely not be under pressure. We know Hardik Pandya has been struggling with his fitness. So, get a couple of batsmen who can also take two overs, that will be very critical for the World Cup in Australia.”
(With ANI Inputs)
