Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has endorsed Ishan Kishan as a staple in India's middle-order following his impressive performance in the Asia Cup 2023. In the spotlight for his stellar role during the tournament, especially his pivotal innings against Pakistan, Kishan has emerged as a standout batsman, demonstrating his potential to anchor the innings when needed, as he did alongside Hardik Pandya after an early top-order collapse.
Gavaskar, while conversing exclusivley with India Today post the Asia Cup Final, asserted Kishan's indispensable role in the squad. The left-handed batsman's unique stance in a predominantly right-handed middle-order gives him an edge, adding variety to the batting lineup.
"Definitely (sealed his spot in middle-order), also gives you a left-handed option in the middle. India don't have a left-hander at the top 4 and then Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan at No. 5 makes a lot of sense," said Gavaskar.
"This is the beauty of being an opening batter. An opening bat can also slot himself down in the middle-order. It's not easy the other way around. Ishan Kishan has shown, particularly with the way he kept his composure, the way he handled against Pakistan and got those 80-odd runs shows that he is not somebody who likes to go out and play his shots but he is somebody who applies his mind, reads the situation and plays accordingly," he further added.
During the high-tension clash against Pakistan, Kishan showcased his mettle with a crucial 83 off 81 balls. He further stamped his authority in the final against Sri Lanka, where he quickly racked up 23 runs from just 18 deliveries, studded with three boundaries.
"He showed admirable patience against the Pakistanis at the start, he made sure the danger was seen away. He hung around with Hardik Pandya and then started to play his shots. That is really a very, very encouraging sign because for somebody as young as him, to show the temperament he showed in that particular game means that he has a bright future ahead of him," Gavaskar concluded.
While Kishan's rise has been meteoric, it poses questions about Shreyas Iyer's position in the middle order. Iyer, who last played against Pakistan and managed only 14 runs, hasn't taken the field since due to a back spasm injury. He incurred this setback prior to India's first Super 4 match, rendering him unavailable for selection. Kishan's consistent performances could mean stiffer competition for Iyer once he returns to full fitness.
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