Ishan should play at No. 5 – Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh’s special request ahead of ICC ODI World Cup

India is still contemplating their playing XI for the upcoming World Cup as they are still not sure about their engine room, with doubts looming heavily on the likes of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s fitness. Rahul is being viewed as India’s first-choice wicket-keeper while Ishan Kishan is being touted the back-up in the squad. 

With all said and done, Ishan Kishan’s latest form has been downright dynamic and if he continues delivering at the same rate, it would be hard for Rahul Dravid and the management to overlook the youngster’s abilities. 

Kishan’s latest performance against West Indies in the ODIs saw him gaining nine spots to climb up to the 36th position in the shorter format of the game. He smashed three consecutive fifties in the ODIs against the Islanders as he climbed up in the echelons of the batters across the globe.

Sadly, for the hard-hitting southpaw, he has somehow run short of gas in the ongoing T20Is and his numbers have been somewhat questionable. But then, of late, looking at how Kishan has performed, RP Singh opined that India should give him a shot at the World Cup. 

Singh said, “It doesn't work out with just one chance. According to me, Ishan should play at No. 5, if you see him at No. 5 for the (ODI) World Cup. If KL Rahul is unavailable in the future, Ishan Kishan is his backup option.’

He further added, “So he has to learn to play at No. 5. When Rohit Sharma comes, Rohit and Shubman Gill will open, although Gill's performance has slightly saddened our hearts. But still if both of them open, where can Ishan Kishan get a place? It is down the order.”