KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan can play together, selection depends on the opposition we face: Rohit Sharma

Flamboyant batter Ishan Kishan is in incredible form in ODI cricket at the moment. He hit four back-to-back half-centuries and  made it difficult for the team management to drop him even if KL Rahul comes back to the squad. Addressing the issue, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has clarified that both the cricketers may feature in the playing XI if required.

Notably, India announced its ODI World Cup squad on September 5 and Kishan’s role has been a major talking point. The southpaw recently scored a brilliant 82 off 81 against Pakistan and is expected to seal his spot in the pWorld Cup XI.

However, Rahul is expected to make his return in the first match of the Super Four and Kishan is the only one who can can make room for India’s first-choice stumper-batter. However, Rohit is optimistic that both these cricketers can make it to the playing XI but it depends on certain circumstances.

“Yes, there is every probability that these two can play together. Everyone's available to play. The selection depends upon who the opposition will be,” Sharma said in the press conference.

Bowler's job is not only to bowl: Rohit Sharma

The Indian skipper also said that the bowlers will have to contribute more with the bat in the ODI World Cup. He cited an example from India’s recent match against Pakistan and stated that they have lost quick wickets in the fag end, else 280 was on the cards. He also stressed that the team needed to create both bowling and batting depth in the tournament and hence, some of the cricketers missed out from selection.

“We need to create both bowling and batting depth. It was important to get depth in both. Number 8 and number 9 positions become crucial. We saw in the first game in Asia Cup, we fell short in the back end. It shows what the job of 8,9,10,11 is. Their job is not only to bowl,” the 36-year-old stated.