Aakash Chopra suggests including Ishan Kishan as third opener in World Cup squad

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has given his best playing XI for India for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India from October 05. The 45-year-old has suggested bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan as the third opening option with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill taking the two opening spots.

Notably, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is out of contention for selection as he’s recovering from injuries sustained during a horrific car crash on December 30, 2022. Hence, India will need other wicketkeeping options for the marquee tournament which clears the path for Kishan’s selection.

“It’s very simple. Rohit Sharma will open with Shubman Gill. There is Virat Kohli. Because Rishabh Pant is not there, I am going with Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja. Hardik Pandya, without doubt, he is going to be there. I am not looking at Ishan Kishan at this point in time as a middle-order option. He could be a third opening option as a keeper-batter. You need a left-hander and he also has an ODI double hundred,” said Chopra on his YouTube Channel.

Further talking about the bowling department, the former opener said that wrist spinner Yuzvendra Chahal should also be there along with Kuldeep Yadav.

“In the bowling, Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami, and then I’ll look at Yuzi Chahal. I will think about Kuldeep Yadav as well. I can’t finalize my team now because we have to wait on Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul’s fitness.”

Jasprit Bumrah hints at return to international cricket

Meanwhile, speedster Jasprit Bumrah is also expected to make a return to the Indian side in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Ireland. The 29-year-old posted a video of him practicing at the NCA on Tuesday, July 18. The video had photos of him training hard and getting himself match-ready.

Notably, Bumrah has been out of action since September 2022 when he last played a T20I against Australia. Indian fans are hoping for the ace pacer to return to the pitch soon and be ready for the World Cup.