In the third T20 International, India ought to rest Ishan Kishan
Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has suggested that the Indian team management should rest opener Ishan Kishan for the third T20I of the ongoing five-match series against the West Indies in Guyana. Ishan Kishan, aged 25, has encountered difficulty posting significant scores in the first two matches. He managed only six runs off nine balls in the initial T20I and 27 runs off 23 balls in the subsequent match.
Jaffer expressed his view, stating, “Considering Ishan Kishan’s struggles in T20 internationals, it would be wise to give him a break. This break might help him come back stronger in the future,” as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
The former cricketer also recommended that India open with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the third T20I, given his impressive performance in the Test series. Jaiswal amassed 266 runs in two matches at an average of 88.67.
Jaffer highlighted, “I would unquestionably choose Yashasvi Jaiswal, mainly because of his fearless approach. He handles spin bowling adeptly and showcases excellent batting skills against fast bowlers. He’s in prime form, brimming with confidence, so why not give him an opportunity? He’s already made runs in Tests and is eager for a chance.”
Jaffer, who is 45 years old, also commented on skipper Hardik Pandya‘s challenge in effectively utilizing Axar Patel during the T20Is.
Despite the slower nature of the pitch in the second T20I, Axar was not given a single over to bowl. Jaffer speculated that Hardik might have been hesitant to deploy the left-arm spinner against the left-handed duo of Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer.
Jaffer observed, “This has been a consistent issue with Axar Patel, from his performances with his IPL franchise to the national team. Whenever a left-handed batsman comes to the crease, it seems like Axar won’t be given the ball. I can understand the situation when Nicholas Pooran is batting, but I was surprised when he and Shimron Hetmyer got out and he still wasn’t given the ball. Even though Yuzvendra Chahal was available to bowl the final over, I found it unexpected that Axar wasn’t given the chance to bowl.”
