'He is a frontrunner logically, but is he a frontrunner?' - Aakash Chopra doubts Ishan Kishan's place in India's World Cup squad

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expressed his doubts about whether Ishan Kishan can be India's backup opener and wicketkeeper-batter in the 2023 Cricket World Cup which is slated to be contested from October 5 to November 19.

Kishan has been picked as one of the openers in India's 17-member squad for the forthcoming ODI series against the West Indies. Notably, he is expected to be one of the backup openers in India’s squad for the 50-over World Cup as well.

Kishan, according to Chopra, is an 'obvious' option for India's ODI squad. The former India opener is unsure whether the keeper-batter is a favourite for the backup opener position.

"There is another left-hander. His name is Ishan Kishan. Prima facie, it seems like he is an obvious choice because you have to keep three openers - so Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan is a frontrunner logically, but is he a frontrunner?," Chopra said on his YouTube channel. 

Gill pulls his weight into the side whenever given a chance: Chopra

Aakash Chopra admitted that Kishan deserves a spot in the squad based on his performances, noting that the 25-year-old had an ODI double-century.

"Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will open and Ishan Kishan can be your backup opener. From a discussion point of view, it is absolutely right - he has scored an ODI double century, he pulls his weight into the side whenever given a chance, so his name should be there," the 45-year-old added.

Kishan has amassed 510 runs at an impressive average of 42.50 in 14 ODIs, including a double hundred, a century, and three fifties. His highest score in the 50-over format was a thunderous 210-run knock against Bangladesh in December 2022. However, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) decided to choose opener Shubman Gill ahead of him in India's upcoming ODI match.

Notably, Gill's double century against New Zealand solidified his position as an opener in India's ODI squad. With five half-centuries and four centuries, he has 1,311 runs in 24 ODIs at a fantastic average of 64.55.