Former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina, has thrown his weight behind Ishan Kishan, highlighting his potential as a promising opener for the Indian national team. Drawing parallels with the currently injured Rishabh Pant, Raina underlined the 25-year-old Kishan's strong character and his ability to uplift the team's spirit, both crucial aspects for a player at the international level.
Ishan Kishan's recent performances only reinforce this endorsement. His exceptional form was evident during India's ODI series against the West Indies, where he delivered three consecutive half-centuries. But it was his exemplary show against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 opener in Kandy that truly caught everyone's attention. Joining the vice-captain, Hardik Pandya, at a critical juncture when India was precariously placed at 66 for 4, the duo put on a game-changing 138-run stand for the fifth wicket. Kishan's composed innings of 82 in this rain-affected match showcased his maturity and his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
Interestingly, while Ishan's knock at No. 5 was remarkable, his versatility is further emphasized by his batting prowess at the top order for both his state team, Jharkhand, and his IPL franchise, the Mumbai Indians.
Raina's endorsement was not limited to just Ishan's on-field exploits. He shared insights into the wicketkeeper-batter's commendable team spirit. Recollecting their time together at the Gujarat Lions during the IPL, Raina observed how Kishan infused camaraderie and boosted the morale of the squad.
Adding a touch of legacy to the narrative, Raina mentioned that the iconic Indian wicketkeeper and former captain, MS Dhoni, had once advised him to closely monitor Ishan Kishan's development, especially in his role as a wicketkeeper.
"I always said that Ishan Kishan has to open up because he is a strong character who maintains a good team atmosphere. He worked really hard even during those days. Since he hails from Ranchi, he spoke to MS Dhoni, and everyone wanted to be like Dhoni there. Also, because of the way Ishan contributed to Jharkhand, Dhoni told me to observe his wicket-keeping progress," Raina said in a conversation on JioCinema's InsidersLive.
"So, I told Finch that if Dwayne Smith and Brendon McCullum aren't playing, then Ishan Kishan should open, I'll bat at No. 3, and you can decide the rest of the batting lineup. I remember in one match, he hit 4-5 sixes in Rajkot against Mumbai Indians, and the way he showed intent is what a team needs. Just like Rishabh Pant, who keeps laughing and maintains good team bonding, that's what's crucial," Raina added.
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