IND vs NZ 2023: I just can’t go there and ask for an opening slot – Ishan Kishan

Indian wicket-keeper bat Ishan Kishan opened up on his selection in the team’s playing XI in the ODI series against New Zealand. Indian skipper Rohit Sharma confirmed that Ishan Kishan will bat in the middle order in the series against the Kiwis on the eve of the first game.

Kishan stated he just can’t go there and ask for an opening slot as he is well aware of the competition within the team. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was preferred ahead of Ishan Kishan in the series against Sri Lanka and the former was able to grab his chance as he scored a fifty and a century against the visitors.

Ishan Kishan said while talking to Star Sports, “I just can’t go there and ask for an opening slot because we know how much competition is going on with everyone doing well for the team. So now that I may get the opportunity in the middle order, I will look to help my team win from those tough situations.”

On the other hand, Ishan Kishan scored a brilliant knock of 210 runs in the third ODI against Bangladesh but he could not get his chances against Sri Lanka. Kishan admitted that the snub did hurt him but also gave credit to Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill for performing consistently.

“Yes, I got a double hundred in my previous game and it did hurt a bit when I didn’t get a chance against Sri Lanka. But you can’t overlook the good work that Rohit Bhai has done over the years and what Shubman Gill has done in the series that he has got.”

Kishan added the New Zealand series will be a good opportunity for him to prove his mettle while batting in the middle order.

“I think it is a good opportunity for me to prove myself in the middle order. I know people think that I am good as an opener, but I want to prove myself at No. 4 or No. 5 and take my team out of a tough situation.

“If the team is in a good situation, then I want to go out there and play my shots.”

However, Kishan could not grab his chance in the first ODI while batting at number four as he was dismissed cheaply for five runs by Lockie Ferguson.