‘Systematic attempt to push him out’ - Netizens fume as Ishan Kishan misses out in final ODI despite series win

Team India batter Ishan Kishan was left out of the third and final ODI against neighbours Sri Lanka at the Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala. Rohit Sharma-led India won the toss and elected to bat first as the two Asian heavyweights clash for one final time before the hosts gear up for the New Zealand series later this month. 

Skipper Rohit made two changes in the side bringing in the likes of hard-hitter and No.1 batter in the T20Is- Suryakumar Yadav and all-rounder Washington Sundar for the contest in Kerala. Their inclusion in the squad means speedster Umran Malik and deputy of the side Hardik Pandya have been rested for the dead rubber.

#TeamIndia Captain @ImRo45 wins the toss and elects to bat first against Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI.

Washington Sundar and Suryakumar Yadav come in to the XI.

Live - https://t.co/muZgJH3f0i #INDvSL @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/4TNIPSezrI

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 15, 2023

After relishing back-to-back wins, the Men in Blue have the momentum leading into the final ODI and will be on the lookout to clinch a complete series sweep. Interestingly, Ishan Kishan, who scored a dominating 210-run knock against Bangladesh recently in the ODIs was included in the squad against the Lankan Lions but did not make it to the XI in any of the three 50-over contests.

The southpaw has been in terrific form, however, the management has backed Shubman Gill to open the innings ahead of the former. Shubman has amassed 728 runs in the last 14 ODI outings and has also relished a pretty decent outing in the ongoing series against the Asia Cup 2022 winners.

After winning the series in the second ODI in Kolkata, many felt that the side would make some changes ahead of the final contest in Kerala. While the management did bring in the likes of Suryakumar and Washington, the exclusion of young Ishan who has been in fine touch has baffled many.

In any case, an exciting contest awaits as both sides will look to obtain results in their favour but with different agendas on their mind. While India will eye for a series whitewash, the Islanders play for respect and will look to end the series on a high-note which could lift their spirits. However, the fans were left disappointed with Ishan Kishan not getting an opportunity.

Here is how the Netizens have reacted to the exclusion of Ishan Kishan from the final ODI-

A double hundred in ODI and from next game a systematic attempt to push #IshanKishan out of ODI squad.

India has won the series, there is no logic why Ishan couldn’t have given a game today.#RahulDravid will destroy Indian cricket.

IndVsSl

— Neeraj Kumar (@justtneeraj) January 15, 2023

After scoring a double Hundred keeping him in dug for 3 matches. Great way to show support.👏🏽
Get stupid KL out nd give him a chance, already won the series no...
Making KL wicket keeper nd preparing for WC gonna backfire for sure.#INDvsSL#IshanKishan

— Nightcrawler (@Nightcr54691599) January 15, 2023

Come on yaar, #IshanKishan could've been given the nod, ahead of #KLRahul𓃵 , since it's a dead rubber, anyway😒.#CricketTwitter #Cricket #INDvsSL

— Franco Joe (@frankiemwon) January 15, 2023

#IshanKishan No ishan kishan is in 3rd odi too disgusting

— Pratik Sinha (@PratikS41383231) January 15, 2023

Bhai Ishan Khelne He Waala Hai NZ Series Rahul Ki Jaga Atleast Usko Ye Last Match To Khelne Do 😡😡

— TSMenTUSHAR (@tsmentushar) January 15, 2023

Ishan Kishan should have had a go in the 3rd ODI. His last odi score is 210 and in a dead rubber like this, before the world cup, You need to give your reserve player some game time.

Poor move by Team Think Tank.

— Mottakin Anik (@aguerooooooo16) January 15, 2023

Disgusting
Where is Ishan Kishan?
What's going on we don't know but this thing lead to demorolise the batsman who score double ton but .......

— Ap (@Ap40265064) January 15, 2023

God knows what KL Rahul is doing why not give Ishan Kishan a chance. Very concerned team selection

— Ranjan Deb (@RanjanDeb19) January 15, 2023

Ishan Kishan scores fastest double hundred.

Warms bench for next 3 matches. #INDvSL #IndianCricketTeam

— Suraj Subhash (@SurajSubhash3) January 15, 2023