'Great opportunity' - Ishan Kishan happy to bat in middle order

Ishan Kishan returned to the playing XI during India's first ODI clash against New Zealand after missing out on all three matches against Sri Lanka. The youngster scored just five runs while batting in the fourth position but seems happy to continue in the middle order. He said that playing in the middle order is a good opportunity to score runs.

The 24-year-old left-hander made the headlines after smashing 210 off 131 against Bangladesh in the third ODI last month. But he was snubbed for the ODIs against Sri Lanka this month with captain Rohit Sharma returning from his injury. However, he got the chance in the first ODI against New Zealand in Hyderabad with Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul missing the series.

"I'm loving it as it's a good opportunity for me to make runs and prove myself by making India win. Overall, I see it as a great opportunity," Ishan Kishan told broadcasters. 

Shubman Gill continues to perform as opener in India's ODI squad with consistently big knocks. He scored a double hundred in the first ODI against New Zealand and is likely to be India's first-choice opening option to partner Rohit in the 2023 One-Day World Cup. 

With Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul occupying the middle order spots after Virat Kohli at number three, it will be tough for Kishan to gain a regular spot in the middle order. Regardless of his double hundred against Bangladesh, he has not been consistent enough to grab the spot for the World Cup. 

Strike rotation holds the key in Raipur: Ishan Kishan

Kishan will be looking to make a big impact in the second ODI against New Zealand in Raipur on January 21. The wicketkeeper-batter reckons that Raipur's stadium has massive boundaries and it will be crucial to rotate the strike instead of going for big shots.

"It's a massive ground; however, I feel it's a plus point for the batters as there are gaps available even if the ball don't go for boundaries often. Overall, it's similar to the square boundaries and the plan is to pick the gaps well. If the ball is there to be hit straight, you will, but strike rotation holds the key here," Kishan added.