Cricket

T20 World Cup 2021: It is necessary that Ishan Kishan be in the playing XI – Harbhajan Singh

 

India’s veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed the inclusion of Ishan Kishan in the team’s playing XI for the match against New Zealand. The Turbanator feels Kishan should open the innings with experienced Rohit Sharma whereas KL Rahul should bat at number four.

Thus, Bhajji wants the team management to drop Suryakumar Yadav, who could not get going against Pakistan. Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is known to hit the ground running and he has been in good form lately.

The southpaw had scored a blistering knock of 84 runs off just 32 balls in the last league stage match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2021. Subsequently, he continued his good form in the warm-up match and scored another whirlwind knock in the warm-up match against England while opening the innings with KL Rahul.

Kishan is known for his aggressive batting and he can put the team in front with his blistering strokeplay. Earlier Virat Kohli had revealed that Kishan has been added to the squad as a backup opener.

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan said: “According to me, it is necessary that Ishan Kishan be in the playing XI. If he opens with Rohit Sharma, India can have the start which they are currently looking for.

“Kishan is an explosive batsman, will put pressure on any bowler. He is in good form also. He played some good knocks for Mumbai Indians towards the end of IPL and was looking solid in the warm-up game as well.”

On the other hand, Harbhajan also backed the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t been at his best in the recent past. However, the veteran feels the all-rounder can turn the match on its head with his blistering batting if he gets going.

“If Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma open the innings and Virat Kohli comes in at No.3, KL Rahul can bat at 4 as well. The top 4 will be very solid. Pant should continue at 5.

“Pandya is such a player, that if he finds his groove, he can leave any batsman behind. Pandya should be played even as a pure batsman at No.6. If we speak about the best batsmen in the No.6 and No.7 position, Hardik Pandya’s name comes up without question.”

India will next face New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Irfan Pathan lauds Shivam Dube’s heroics in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 final

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan heaped praise on Shivam Dube for his impactful performance in… Read More

September 29, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar hails Indian bowlers after Asia Cup final win against Pakistan

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar showered praise on the Indian bowling line-up after Men in Blue registered… Read More

September 29, 2025

Ishant Sharma says Pakistan not at the same level as India amid Asia Cup 2025

India’s veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma has said that Pakistan is not at the same… Read More

September 24, 2025

Rohan Gavaskar sheds light on Shreyas Iyer’s Test future after Mumbai batter takes a break from red-ball cricket

Former Indian batter Rohan Gavaskar said Shreyas Iyer is not going to be in contention… Read More

September 24, 2025

Mohammad Kaif lauds Suryakumar Yadav, says he is a proper replacement for Rohit Sharma amid Asia Cup

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav and said he is a… Read More

September 22, 2025

Parthiv Patel opens up on Shreyas Iyer’s chances on being picked for Test series against West Indies

Former Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel reckons Shreyas Iyer’s chances of being picked for the two-match… Read More

September 22, 2025