'What else is he playing?' - Aakash Chopra highlights high stakes for Ishan Kishan ahead of IPL 2024

Ahead of IPL 2024, respected cricket commentator Aakash Chopra envisages Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma of the Mumbai Indians forming a potent opening duo. Reflecting on their IPL 2023 performances, Kishan showed potential with 454 runs in 15 innings, boasting an average of 30.27 and a strike rate of 142.77. Conversely, Rohit had a tough season by his standards, accumulating only 332 runs in 16 innings, averaging 20.75, with a strike rate of 132.80.

According to Chopra's pre-season rankings, Yashasvi Jaiswal-Jos Buttler and Ruturaj Gaikwad-Devon Conway lead the pack as the top two opening pairs for IPL 2024, while Kishan-Rohit secure the third position. Despite Kishan's exclusion from the recent BCCI central contracts, a stellar IPL performance could catapult him into contention for India's T20 World Cup squad. However, the competition for the opening slots appears intense, posing a significant challenge to his aspirations. As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Mumbai Indians' opening duo to ignite the stage and stake their claim on the international arena.

"I want to move towards Mumbai now. Firstly, you have released Rohit Sharma from captaincy duties. When we talk about a top-class player like Rohit Sharma, we say that a 600-run season will be there for sure. However, he has never had a 600-run season. This could be that season,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

"There is nothing to prove per se, but, then, there is a lot to prove. I feel he will hit a lot as he is not the captain. Ishan Kishan will be hungry, as he has not got a central contract. This is the only thing he is playing. What else is he playing?” he added. 

If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward: Chopra

With youth and talent on his side, Kishan is gearing up for IPL 2024, a significant opportunity to turn his fortunes around. He must prioritize letting his performances with the bat do the talking, overshadowing any recent setbacks. According to Chopra, a strong showing in the tournament could bolster his chances for a return to the Indian team.

"Either he has himself opted not to play, or he won't be selected now. So this is his chance. If you make the IPL your own, you have chances of going forward. Then there is, of course, Wankhede's flat pitch. The ball will come nicely onto the bat and go far," he concluded.

Also Read: Jay Shah, Roger Binny, and the selectors need to speak to Ishan Kishan: Sourav Ganguly