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Ishan Kishan has a golden chance to make a strong statement, while Rishabh Pant finds himself under pressure as India begin their preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027. The fight for the backup wicketkeeper-batter has gotten intense with KL Rahul being the first-choice player for the role.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Ishan has grabbed his chance with both hands and has worked his way back into the team's plans, but he feels Rishabh Pant should not be forgotten and still can make a strong comeback if he returns to top form.
Irfan Pathan backs Ishan Kishan as ICC World Cup 2027 race begins
The Indian cricket team will be without two experienced stars, Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, who are both sidelined with injuries for the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. In their absence, Ishan Kishan is expected to be one of the biggest players to watch.
Irfan Pathan believes that one of the unsung heroes of Indian cricket KL Rahul remains India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batter in the 50-over format because of his consistency and ability to bat in different positions. He also feels Ishan is an ideal backup option because of his attacking style and flexibility at the top of the order.
Irfan Pathan hails Indian selectors' smart selection
The former all-rounder also backed Sanju Samson as another strong contender, saying he has made good use of the opportunities he has received and should remain in India's plans.
Irfan Pathan said on JioHotstar: “KL Rahul is India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs. He has done well at numbers five and six. He is versatile. As a backup, the selectors have brought in Ishan Kishan."
"Ishan can bat higher up the order and plays the short ball well square of the wicket. That is a smart selection. So, Rahul and Ishan are the two wicketkeeper-batters right now. The third in line should be Sanju Samson. Whenever he has got a chance, he has delivered. We saw that in the T20 World Cup.”
Pathan urges selectors not to completely ignore Rishabh Pant
As for Rishabh Pant, the left-handed batter has not played an ODI match for almost two years, making things really uncertain, especially because of his poor form. Even Rishabh Pant was recently slammed for repeated mistakes in Tests.
But Pathan urged the Indian selectors not to completely ignore Pant, citing Ishan's successful comeback through strong domestic performances for Jharkhand.
Pathan signed off by saying, “Now, about Rishabh Pant, my suggestion to the selectors is not to completely ignore him. Yes, he has fallen behind in white-ball cricket. His form has not been great. But look at Ishan Kishan. He was out of the team too, but he used that as motivation. He played domestic cricket, performed well, and led Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win as captain.”
Notably, the three-match ODI series opener between India and Afghanistan is yet to begin in Dharamshala because of the persistent showers. If the match could not start before 6:30 PM, the match official would take the call with the second ODI scheduled for June 17 in Lucknow.
