Chopra highlighted that Kishan, a left-handed batter, has not had the luxury of consistent opportunities and has often faced considerable pressure when he did get a chance.
Kishan’s inclusion in India’s ODI World Cup squad comes as a result of his improved performances and his versatility, having played in all three formats for the national team this year. This selection is particularly significant as it coincides with the absence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant due to injuries.
Kishan’s credentials were further strengthened by his remarkable innings, notably his sensational 210-run knock against Bangladesh in Chattogram last year.
Additionally, he showcased his adaptability by delivering a composed performance, scoring 82 runs while batting at number five in a crucial Asia Cup league match against Pakistan in Pallekele.
“Ishan Kishan doesn’t get many opportunities, but when he does, there’s pressure on him. He has scored a double century, and even after that, we don’t see him getting many chances, which is a fact because he wasn’t included in the very next series after his double century. Where Ishan will bat in this team is a separate issue, dependent on various circumstances but he has understood the pulse of the ODI format,” said Chopra on JioCinema’s sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI’.
After the Asia Cup ends on September 17, India will play three ODIs at home against Australia from September 22-27. They will then play warm-up matches against England and the Netherlands on September 30 and October 3 respectively.
India, the 1983 and 2011 champions, will open their ODI World Cup campaign against Australia on October 8 in Chennai. Chopra further explained how the Indian team will build their mindset as they get into the World Cup mode.
“Somewhere in the tournament, an atmosphere is created where you start looking after each other, and there is a quiet confidence, a belief that we will do it, we will win. It quietly builds up, I mean, no one has a magic wand to make it happen, but it happens. So I feel that when the Indian team starts playing in the World Cup, that atmosphere will be created,” he concluded.
(With IANS Inputs)