IND vs NEP: "If He Is Going To Keep, He Will Replace Ishan Kishan" - S Sreesanth Terms KL Rahul As India's First Choice Wicketkeeper

Former pacer S Sreesanth stated that KL Rahul will become the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman for India once he is fully fit and available for selection. S Sreesanth emphasized that KL Rahul will replace Ishan Kishan in India’s ODI playing XI in the upcoming matches.

Ishan Kishan is keeping the stumps in the absence of KL Rahul, who was ruled out of the first two matches of the ongoing Asia Cup. The left-handed batter played a match-saving 82-run knock against Pakistan and helped the team put up a decent score on the board.

KL Rahul was last seen in action during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. He sustained a thigh injury while representing the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). As a result, he was ruled out for the remainder of the IPL 2023 and the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Difficult To Predict Anything In Indian Cricket – S Sreesanth

In an interview with Sportskeeda, S Sreesanth highlighted the unpredictability of Indian cricket and suggested that players like Shreyas Iyer do not have a fixed batting position.

“It is difficult to predict anything in Indian cricket. Anything can happen. I think that Shreyas Iyer also doesn’t have a designated place in the batting order and will have to keep shuffling. Once KL Rahul is fit, and if he is going to keep, he will replace Ishan Kishan,” Sreesanth said.

Shreyas Iyer returned to the Indian team after an injury layoff. The right-handed batter looked to be in good rhythm, but he was dismissed for 14 runs off nine balls against Pakistan. The team management might back him for the No. 4 position.

Captain’s Knock By Hardik Pandya – S Sreesanth

Sreesanth praised Hardik Pandya for his outstanding performance in the match against Pakistan, highlighting his brilliant batting and composure.

“I would say it was a captain’s knock by Hardik Pandya. He built his innings brilliantly alongside Ishan Kishan,” Sreesanth continued.

“After Haris Rauf gave Ishan Kishan an aggressive send-off, Hardik hit him for three consecutive fours. It was like he was telling him that he is still the same Hardik Pandya and is only showing him respect because of the situation.”

Hardik Pandya, India’s vice-captain, scored 87 runs off 90 balls with the help of seven boundaries and a six. The right-handed batter added a crucial 138-run partnership with Ishan Kishan to rescue the team from 66/4.

Also read: IND vs NEP: KL Rahul Clears Fitness Test, Set To Join Indian Team For Super 4 Stage: Reports