Ishan Kishan is a hot contender for Indian team’s limited-overs wicketkeeper-batsman after his impressive display in the recently-concluded IPL 2020, according to former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad.
The 22-year-old Kishan starred with the bat and played a key role in helping Mumbai Indians (MI) win IPL 2020 for record 5th time. Ishan Kishan enjoyed his most prolific IPL season so far as he showed his batting abilities amassing 516 runs averaging 57.33 in 14 games.
Ishan Kishan Finishes IPL 2020 As Mumbai’s Highest Run Scorer
He finished the season as Mumbai Indians’ highest run-scorer ahead of the likes of another wicket-keeper Quinton De Kock, Rohit Sharma and in-form Suryakumar Yadav despite not being a part of the playing eleven for the first two games. Ishan Kishan finished IPL 2020 with 516 runs at a strike-rate of more than 145. He hit a maximum of 30 sixes in IPL 2020.
Overall, he was the fifth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2020 despite playing the least number of games jointly with orange cap winner KL Rahul among the top ten run-scorers of this season. He also made an impression by hitting 30 sixes, the most by any batsman in IPL 2020.
Ishan Kishan’s Ability, Adaptability And Temperament As Per Team’s Requirements Makes Him Contender For Wicket Keeper: MSK Prasad
Following Ishan Kishan’s prolific outing in IPL 2020, MSK Prasad has lavished rich praise on the youngster. The former Indian wicketkeeper, whose tenure as chief selector ended last year, was all praise for Ishan Kishan’s adaptability and temperament.
He noted how Ishan Kishan performed remarkably well after being promoted to open the innings. Ishan Kishan had scored a match-winning half-century after he was asked to open the innings in the absence of injured skipper Rohit Sharma.
“It’s really fantastic to see this pocket dynamite in action. He had a fantastic IPL. Batting at No. 4 and later opening the innings, shows his adaptability and temperament. His ability to switch gears as per the team’s requirements will definitely place him as a hot contender for the wicketkeeper-batsman slot for Team India in both T20s & ODIs in times to come,” MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by TOI.
“If he can keep wickets well and bat the same way he did in the IPL, he will be a welcome addition to the national squad,” he added.
MSK Prasad said that the pocket dynamite’s ability to switch gears according to the team’s requirements makes him a hot contender for the wicketkeeper-role for Team India where Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant will give him tough competition.