Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer is surprised by the selection of Indian wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan in the playing 11 over Sanju Samson for the 1st ODI against West Indies in Barbados. India earned dominating victory over the Men in Maroon with Ishan Kishan scoring a gritty half-century on a surface that was tough to bat.
With 115 runs to chase, Team India started the innings with new opening pair of Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan of which the Southpaw played exceedingly well to score a second consecutive half-century on Caribbean soil. The youngster would look to continue his fine form going to the next two games of the series.
Speaking to Espncricinfo, Wasim Jaffer feels that Indian team management is looking at Ishan Kishan as a backup opener and backup wicket-keeper in the team going into the Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup whereas Sanju Samson is seen as more of middle order batter and questioned about Ruturaj Gaikwad’s role in the team, as he picked for the Asian Games 2023.
“I thought they’re looking at Ishan Kishan as a backup opener, as well as obviously the backup keeper, and then Sanju probably would bat in the middle order. I thought he’ll get an opportunity first, so that’s surprising.
“Who is that third opener? Probably Ruturaj Gaikwad but I don’t know who, because Ruturaj has been picked in the Asian Games. Again, I don’t know who that third opener is,” Wasim Jaffer said.
With Rishabh Pant being ruled of ODI World Cup and KL Rahul uncertain to return for the mega event, Ishan Kishan would look to use the opportunity to seal his spot in the Indian team and his preference ahead of Sanju Samson giving clear Indication of the Indian team plans to go into the marquee event later this year.
When Ravindra Jadeja Wasn’t Available, Axar Patel Was Really Brilliant – Wasim Jaffer
Wasim Jaffer said that he was surprised by the inclusion of two proven performers Sanju Samson and Axar Patel from the team, as the Left-handed all-rounder has done exceedingly well in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja in all three formats and wants the Indian team management to think of playing three spinners in the team, as he valuable with the bat in the lower order.
“I am a little surprised not seeing Sanju there, and I’m surprised at not seeing Axar Patel there, because I thought when Ravindra Jadeja wasn’t available, he was really brilliant, with ball and bat.
“I feel going forward, India need to think about playing three spinners, because Jadeja and Axar can bat at 7 and 8, so I’m a little surprised, but I expected this,” Wasim Jaffer added.
Sanju Samson has done exceedingly well for the Indian team in the limited opportunity in the 50-over format as he has scored 330 runs in 11 ODIs so far at an impressive batting average of 66, whereas Axar Patel has been in the form of life in the last couple of years contributing to team’s success in all three formats.