Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has backed Ishan Kishan ahead of KL Rahul to play in India’s first XI, going into the ODI World Cup 2023. Both were selected for the ODI World Cup spots ahead of Sanju Samson on Tuesday, 5 September. India captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar announced the 15-member squad and backed KL Rahul despite doubts surrounding his fitness levels.
“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 after the selection of the squad.
“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,” Gambhir said.
“I feel Ishan Kishan has done everything he needs to do to be a frontrunner,” he further added.Rahul has been out of action since May 1, 2023 when he picked up a nasty thigh injury while fielding in the Indian Premier League. Rahul had to get surgery in London and has been recovering since at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. “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,” he said. “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. Kishan’s aggressive 82 off 81 balls has put him in prime position to be selected in the Indian playing XI through the rest of the Asia Cup 2023. Rahul, who is expected to be fully fit ahead of India’s Super 4 match vs Pakistan on 10 September, might have to wait to get a shot at the Indian playing XI.
