‘He has done everything to be frontrunner’ - Gautam Gambhir backs Ishan Kishan to play ahead of KL Rahul in ODI WC

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir stated that the think tank should pick Ishan Kishan over KL Rahul in the playing XI during the 2023 ODI World Cup, considering his recent batting exploits. Notably, the All-India Senior Men’s Selection Committee retained a core team from the Asia Cup squad that will feature in the big-ticket event, slated to be played in India from October 5. 

The think tank will have quite a task in selecting their middle order and which player to opt for between Rahul and Ishan. In the same vein, Gambhir voiced his stance in this regard as he stated that Ishan’s recent batting exploits make him the frontrunner to make the cut in the XI ahead of Rahul.

"Tell me something, what is more important to win a championship — name or form? If Rohit (Sharma) or Virat (Kohli) had scored something similar (four consecutive fifties), would you still say that KL Rahul would replace them?" Gambhir said on Star Sports.

"The point is, when you're gearing up to win the World Cup, you don't see the name, you judge by their form. You choose the player who can perform and win you the World Cup. I feel Ishan Kishan has done everything he needs to do to be a frontrunner,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that Ishan has been in solid form, slamming 82, 77, 55, and 52, respectively, in his last four ODIs. Meanwhile, Rahul returns to the ODI setup after a hiatus owing to the knee injury he sustained in the IPL 2023. Notably, Rahul is set to make it to the squad in the forthcoming match against Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 on Sunday, September 10.

Gambhir further reiterated his stance and stated that if the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were in place of Ishan, then there would be no place for Rahul in the setup.

"Just because he is Ishan Kishan and hasn't played a lot of international cricket, you're saying that KL Rahul should play before him. But if Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma were in place of Ishan Kishan, would KL Rahul be able to replace them? The answer is 'no'," Gambhir added.