IND vs WI: Salman Butt Takes A Dig At Indian Team Management Over Treatment Of Ishan Kishan

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt criticized the Indian team management for their tactics and strategies in the recently concluded ODI series against the West Indies. He stated that Ishan Kishan doesn’t deserve to be on the bench after his impressive performances against the Windies.

Ishan Kishan shone with the bat as an opener in the absence of skipper Rohit Sharma. The left-handed batter scored three consecutive half-centuries, amassing 184 runs with an impressive average of 61.33. The southpaw was awarded Player of the Series for his batting performances.

Ishan Kishan Will Be The Second Option – Salman Butt

Salman Butt highlighted that Ishan Kishan will be dropped from the playing XI once Rohit Sharma returns to the lineup, irrespective of his performances.

“I absolutely agree (that India’s experiment with Ishan was confusing). One guy being dropped after scoring 200… what’s the point? Either they accept the fact that he is second option, even if he scores 1000 runs in a single innings,” Salman Butt said.

“That never gives you the feeling of being the best, that never gives you the feeling that you will be rewarded for your performances. Currently, the feeling is no matter what you do, you will be the second option. He is not a bench strength level anymore. He’s more than that,” he added.

Ishan Kishan might not be a sure starter in the Indian line-up when everyone is fit and available for selection. KL Rahul will be the first-choice wicketkeeper, with Kishan serving as his backup.

When Pressure Gets To Them, They Can’t Deliver – Salman Butt

Salman Butt pointed out that a few Indian batters failed to deliver for the team under pressure, especially in knockout fixtures in ICC tournaments.

“Secondly, I accept that Rohit is a big player, but some players are there who have been around for a long time, but when pressure gets to them, they can’t deliver. Especially at the knock-out stages, this is something that has to be worked on,” Butt further said.

Ishan Kishan is part of India’s squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against the West Indies. The Hardik Pandya-led team will take on the Windies in the first T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on August 3. The side is expected to field a full-strength team in the Asia Cup in 2023.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Pakistan Squad For Asia Cup