Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul (Source: AFP)
The ODI World Cup 2027 is still more than a year away, but discussions about India's squad have already started.
Questions continue to revolve around stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and whether they will remain part of India’s plans for the tournament.
One of the biggest debates is over the wicketkeeper-batter position. Will India continue to back KL Rahul, or can Ishan Kishan make a strong claim for the role?
Following his impressive performances in the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, Ishan has once again become a major talking point.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has now revealed an interesting detail about head coach Gautam Gambhir's thoughts on the left-handed batter.
How Did Ishan Kishan Perform Recently?
Kishan made a remarkable return to India's ODI team after spending three years away from the format. He was included in the squad for the ODI series against Afghanistan and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
The left-handed batter started the series with an attacking 34-run knock off just 22 balls. However, it was in the second ODI that he truly made headlines. He smashed a brilliant 125 runs from only 79 balls at a strike rate of 158.23.
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So far, Ishan Kishan has played 30 ODI matches and scored 1,092 runs at an average of 45.50 and strike rate of 107.69.
Mohammad Kaif Shares Gautam Gambhir's Choice Between Ishan and KL Rahul
Former India player Mohammad Kaif recently shared an interesting story about Gautam Gambhir's preference between Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul.
According to Kaif, he once had a conversation with Gambhir while working together during a tour of Sri Lanka. During the discussion, the topic of Ishan and KL Rahul came up.
Kaif revealed that Gambhir chose Ishan's name when asked to pick between the two players.
Mohammad Kaif said: "Gautam Gambhir likes Ishan Kishan. I am telling you this right now. When I talked to him once before when we were in Sri Lanka, we were working in Sri Lanka, and there was a mention of Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul."
"He chose Ishan Kishan's name over KL Rahul. We were sitting in the commentary box, and we even showed it on the show. He likes Ishan Kishan because we were firm on the fact that he is a proven player at number five or six. He was injured, that's why Ishan Kishan came, but now KL Rahul is fit, he is a proven player, so he will play."
Where Can India Slot Ishan Kishan In India's ODI World Cup 2027 Plans?
Ishan Kishan's versatility could make him a valuable option for India in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup.
He can open the innings if Rohit Sharma is unavailable or if India decides to look at different combinations. Ishan can also bat at No. 3, especially if Virat Kohli is unavailable, or no longer part of the ODI setup.
Another option is to use him in the middle order. His aggressive batting style could allow him to play the role of a finisher at No. 5, a position currently with KL Rahul.
With plenty of time remaining before the World Cup, India's management may continue to groom Ishan for multiple roles.
His recent performances have certainly strengthened his case, and if he maintains this form, he could become an important part of India's plans for the ODI World Cup 2027.
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