Ishan Kishan’s placement becomes key – Aakash Chopra on India’s batting order

After the conclusion of India’s training camp in Alur on Tuesday, head coach Rahul Dravid came up with a major announcement which stated that KL Rahul will be out of action from the first two games of the Asia Cup. With the wicket-keeper batsman out of contention for a spot in the XI, conversations have opened up about which position Ishan Kishan will take up in the batting order. 

Taking to X, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra posted, “KLR unavailable for the first two games. Opens up a host of discussion points…does Ishan open? If yes, where will Shubman bat? Or Rohit-Gill-Ishan bat 1-2-3 and then Kohli bats at 4? Or Rohit-Gill open…Kohli at 3 and Ishan at 5? Or Gill gets benched and Tilak/SKY bat at 5?”

Chopra has been a fierce advocate of trying out Sanju Samson in the middle order, particularly after chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that the stylish right-hander will be with the team as a travelling reserve.

Talking on Akaashvani season 2, Aakash Chopra said, “If KL Rahul is unavailable, Ishan Kishan’s placement becomes key. Sanju Samson can also replace him as a travel reserve - I am assuming without Rahul, Sanju Samson can enter the team. Given a No. 5 batter is needed, selection should be based on that specific condition. Samson, a middle-order batsman and keeper, should be the backup.”

“Having batted well in that position, he deserves retention. Knowing the reality as a reserve, Ishan might play, but not in his original slot. While it's ideal, it's unlikely. The Indian team values left-right openers, which means Ishan and Rohit, sidelining Gill. And Tilak could be picked over Suryakumar for a left-right combo, which matters up and down the order, plus he gives you a few overs of bowling.”

It will be intriguing to see when KL Rahul will return to the side and what the Indian think-tank comes up with in case he fails to recover from the niggle that has halted his return to the international circuit.