Indian veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels that southpaw Ishan Kishan has a slight edge over Sanju Samson to take up the role of gloveman in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. This series will act as an important preparation for the Men in Blue ahead of Asia Cup 2023 and ODI World Cup 2023.
With Rishabh Pant being ruled of ODI World Cup and KL Rahul uncertain to return for the continental event. Team India has got two wicket-keepers in the squad for the West Indies tour, Ishan Kishan will be back into the ODI team after an aggressive half-century in the 2nd test whereas Sanju Samson will come into the national team after a good IPL season with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2023.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik feels that Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson will be the contender for the second wicket-keeper in the team for the ODI World Cup as he feels the Left-handed batter is slightly ahead of Sanju Samson due to the absence of Left-handed batters in the middle order and reckons that he can also be the backup opener in the team.
“There is a chance that between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson could be the choice for the second wicket-keeper. Ishan Kishan is slightly ahead because India lacks left-handers. So, there is a great chance that he could be up there. He would also be the reserve backup opener,” Dinesh Karthik said.
In ODI cricket, Ishan Kishan has amassed 510 runs at a good average of 42.5 in 14 ODIs, including an outstanding 210-run knock in the game against Bangladesh. The 25-year-old can also play as the wicket-keeper in the team, as he showed the ability to bat anywhere in the batting order. He can be lethal in the middle overs, as he can play fearless brand cricket for Men in Blue.
Sanju Samson is expected to play in the Number 5 position for the Indian team, playing the role of the finisher alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. He has scored 330 runs in 11 ODIs so far at an impressive batting average of 66. 28 years old, to date has featured for India in 11 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India and would expect to score runs consistently for the Indian team going into the full white ball season
The role of the wicketkeeper-batter will be crucial for the Indian team in the marquee event later this year in India.
The last three ODI World Cups were won by the host nation, as they performed exceedingly well in the home conditions to win the Championship and India will have a chance to win an ICC event after 10 long years on home soil.