IND vs NZ: skipper Rohit Sharma confirms Ishan Kishan's batting spot ahead of ODI series

Team India skipper Rohit Sharma has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan will take a spot in the middle-order ahead of the ODI series against New Zealand. The Men in Blue are set to host the BlackCaps in a three-match ODI series followed by as many T20I matches scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 18.

Rohit and Co. relished a terrific outing against Sri Lanka as they clinched the ODI series 3-0 with sensational performances coming from the players. However, one name that did not feature in the XI was that of keeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who missed out, despite playing a dominating 210-run knock against Bangladesh recently.

That said, Rohit confirmed that the southpaw will get his place, but would play in the middle-order ahead of the series against the Kiwis. 

“In terms of Ishan (Kishan), he will be batting in the middle-order. I am glad he could get a run here after that fine knock in Bangladesh,” Rohit was quoted as saying by PTI.

Luckily, we have got spinners, who are all-rounders who can bat: Rohit Sharma

The 35-year-old further stated that having multiple spinners who can contribute with the bat has worked wonders for the side.

“Luckily, we have got spinners, who are all-rounders who can bat. Washi, (Washington Sundar), Axar (Patel), (Ravindra) Jadeja, Shahbaz Ahmed - those guys can give us the depth. But yeah we cannot forget those two quality wrist-spinners (Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav). You need to look at the broader picture for the final XI,” he added.

As the road for the 2023 ODI World Cup has already begun, both sides will be looking to find a core just in time for the marquee event. The series undoubtedly proves to be a crucial one as the teams will get a chance to assess their players' performances and pitch conditions. The Men in Blue play their first 50-over contest against the visitors on Wednesday, January 18 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad.