IND vs PAK: Who Will Play Between Ishan Kishan And KL Rahul In Asia Cup 2023? Robin Uthappa Comes Up With A Big Statement

Former India wicketkeeper cum batsman, Robin Uthappa opened up on Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul’s presence in the squad and said that Ishan should take part in the Asia Cup 2023 and barred from taking part in ODI World Cup 2023 since the player lacks experience.

On the other hand, the former India star player, Robin Uthappa also added that KL Rahul should be included in the playing from Australia series to play a few ODI matches before going to the 50-over World Cup 2023 in India.

In the first match of the Asia Cup 2023 of India against Pakistan on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Ishan Kishan played a stellar inning and led the Men in Blue batting order. however, the match was cancelled without any result as the rain interrupted during the inning break.

The India batting order suffered in front of the Pakistani fast bowlers. Shaheen Afridi picked four wickets in his 10-over spell and dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya. Whereas, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah scalped three wickets each during the first inning.

While speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Robin Uthappa said Ishan Kishan needs more experience before he goes for the upcoming ODI World Cup and should be played in the Asia Cup 2023.

Uthappa also said that he would have added KL Rahul to the three-match ODI series against Australia before the player goes for the prestigious tournament.

“Ishan Kishan needs to have confidence going into the ODI World Cup, so I will play him throughout this tournament. I will urge the team management to play KL Rahul in all three matches against Australia instead,” Robin Uthappa said.

It will be difficult to play both Kishan and KL in the Indian line-up: Robin Uthappa

The former player stated that both the star players, KL Rahul and Kishan can play in the Asia Cup 2023 since Shreyas Iyer made his return from the injury.

Robin Uthappa heaped praise on Shreyas Iyer and further added that the player is very talented and must be given more game time.

“It will be difficult to play both Kishan and KL in the Indian line-up at the Asia Cup because Shreyas Iyer has also just returned from injury. He is a very good player and he needs to be in the mix for India’s sake. Shreyas Iyer needs to be given more chances,” Robin Uthappa said.

India will lock horns against Pakistan in the high-voltage match of the Super Fours of the Asia Cup 2023 at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday (September 10th).