Legends speak on Ishan Kishan versus KL Rahul debate for ODI World Cup

Ishan Kishan, who replaced the injured KL Rahul in India's XI in Asia Cup, has impressed one and all with his poerformance. Walking in at No. 5, a position he had never batted at in his brief ODI career, Kishan scored an impressive 82 off 81 balls against Pakistan. What set his knock apart was the maturity he displayed under pressure. 

Rather than succumbing to the early onslaught by Pakistani bowlers, Kishan played sensibly, which also influenced Hardik Pandya as the duo settled India's ship after Pakistan bowlers had pushed Rohit Sharma and co. on the backfoot. Kishan and Pandya's partnership of 138 runs revived India's innings before rain intervened.

The debate over whether India should pick Rahul when he returns to the Asia Cup squad has gained momentum. The wicketkeeper-batter was ruled out of the first two games of the tournament but is set to return after recovering at the National Cricket Academy following his thigh injury.

Cricketing veterans like Gautam Gambhir and Mohammad Kaif joined in the debate, offering their opinions on Ishan and Rahul as the preferred wicketkeeper-batter for the World Cup playing XI. Former head coach, Ravi Shastri was also impressed by Kishan's adaptability, as he batted at No. 5, contrary to his usual opening position. Shastri emphasized the need for flexibility in the batting order and suggested that both Ishan and Rahul could feature based on the opposition and match conditions.

Former head coach, Ravi Shastri was also impressed by Ishan's adaptability, as he batted at No. 5, contrary to his usual opening position. Shastri emphasized the need for flexibility in the batting order and suggested that both Ishan and Rahul could feature based on the opposition and match conditions.

"What he showed the last day was his ability to adapt. If he has that kind of ability to adapt in a pressure cooker situation against a team like Pakistan when you top order has been blown away, and the to show that kind of composure in his 82-run knock, he is going to push you right till in the end for a spot in the XI and certainly against some opponents. You got to be flexible," Shastri said on Start Sports.

"For 1-2 positions, you can be flexible just like you pick horses for courses in the bowling department. Why can't it be applied for batters?" Shastri added.

Matthew Hayden also suggested that even someone like Virat Kohli could change positions to accommodate both Ishan and Rahul in the playing XI.

"Why shouldn't it apply to Kohli at No. 3? Because there is also an opportunity for Ishan to bat at No. 3," he said.

Check: India Squad for ODI World Cup 2023