India can go with Ishan Kishan as an opener against Namibia: VVS Laxman

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman feels that India should try giving Ishan Kishan a chance against Namibia in their last Super12 fixture. Kishan was in fine form during the practice games India played in the build-up to the T20 World Cup, where they defeated England and Australia.

However, they endured a dismal campaign in the main tournament, and stand knocked out, with their final encounter against Namibia being a dead-rubber. The fixture will also be the last for Virat Kohli as India’s T20I skipper as he had announced his decision to step down from the position after the conclusion of the ongoing event, while Ravi Shastri’s head coach tenure also comes to an end.

India did not include Kishan in the XI in their opening encounter against Pakistan, which they lost by 10 wickets, before bringing him in against New Zealand as a replacement for injured Suryakumar Yadav. Notably, Kishan opened in the fixture alongside KL Rahul, as India demoted Rohit Sharma at No. 3.

Speaking about Kishan as a potential opener for India, Laxman said on Star Sports: “Ishan Kishan is someone who uses the powerplay field restrictions, plays his brand of cricket. Having said that, as Virat Kohli relinquishes his captaincy after that the choice will be Rohit Sharma, he is most destructive and consistent to win matches for India in that position where he goes in as an opener and then KL Rahul we know what a talent he is and what a match-winner he is.

“So, how can you disturb these two established openers just to accommodate Ishan Kishan. So that’s probably the question, which will be on the minds of team management and the selection committee. But, probably keeping in mind that there is no consequence to the match which is going to happen against Namibia. Probably in this match they can try Ishan Kishan.”

Meanwhile, India’s shaky start at the T20 World Cup as they lost to Pakistan and New Zealand meant their qualification chances took a serious dent. As things stand, India are knocked out of the tournament in what is the first instance since 2012 of the team not proceeding beyond the group stages of an ICC event. With the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup slated to be held in October 2022, Laxman opened up on India’s bowling attack and the changes that are needed.

“I think it is very important to identify a couple of bowlers who bowl quick because the conditions in Australia will be totally different, where I’m not sure the ball will swing too much. But having someone who can bowl quick, extract the bounce and pace of that wicket and at the same time can use the variations because you want someone who can also finish off the innings well with the ball.

“The other important aspect is to identify batsmen who can bowl because we’ve seen that if you have the sixth or seventh bowling option, the captain will definitely not be under pressure. We know Hardik Pandya has been struggling with his fitness. So, get a couple of batsmen who can also take two overs, that will be very critical for the World Cup in Australia.”