ICC World Cup 2023: Kris Srikkanth Opens Up On Possibility Of Ishan Kishan And KL Rahul Playing Together In WC

Former selection committee chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth opened up about the possibility of including both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul in the playing XI. Kri Srikkanth suggested placing Ishan Kishan at No. 5 and KL Rahul at No. 4 in India’s batting lineup.

KL Rahul returned to India’s Asia Cup squad after recovering from his injury. However, the right-handed batter was ruled out of the first two games against Pakistan and Nepal in the continental tournament. He could be available for the remaining games in the tournament.

On Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed a 15-member squad for the marquee tournament at home. Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul were named as designated wicketkeepers. Tilak Varma and Prasidh Krishna were dropped from the Asia Cup squad.

Kris Srikkanth Excludes Shreyas Iyer To Fit Ishan Kishan

Speaking to Star Sports on the day of the World Cup squad announcement, Kris Srikkanth left out Shreyas Iyer from the playing XI to fit both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul. Srikkanth said that Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are competing for the spin bowling all-rounder spot.

Ishan Kishan replaced KL Rahul at No. 5 against Pakistan in their tournament’s opener. The left-handed batter made most of the opportunity, scoring 82 runs off 81 balls with the help of nine doubles and two sixes. He played a mature knock to rescue her from the challenging position.

Srikkanth’s India batting line-up for World Cup playing XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja/Axar Patel.

There Will A Possibility – Rohit Sharma

During the squad announcement, skipper Rohit Sharma discussed the possibility of including both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul in the playing XI, highlighting that it depends on various factors.

“There will a possibility, why not? As long as everyone is available to play, everyone is fit to play, selection depends on the opposition, a player’s current form and those who have performed under pressure because how you get those runs is also important. Look at Ishan’s knock, for his confidence that was brilliant. Under pressure, batting at No. 5 for the first time and a left-hander which gives us another dimension. We consider all that factor in picking a playing XI,” Rohit said.

India’s World Cup 2023 squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.

Also read: IND vs PAK: Kris Srikkanth Wants Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma To Take “Bold Call” On Ishan Kishan’s Batting Position