3 reasons why Ishan Kishan should open alongside Rohit Sharma in 5th NZ vs IND ODI
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Ishan Kishan batted in middle-order during 4th NZ vs IND ODI.
India suffered a beating in the fourth ODI at Bay Oval against New Zealand and suffered their second-biggest ODI defeat ever. The Black Caps rolled India over with bat and ball, recording a 244-run win.
The final ODI will be played at the same venue in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. India need this win to win the series. They suffered a dramatic batting collapse in the fourth ODI, losing their top three in the first over.
That is where adding Ishan Kishan at the top with Rohit Sharma can change fortune for the struggling Indian batting lineup. Ishan usually plays at the top, but he was shifted to no. 5 in the fourth ODI. Below, we will talk about three key reasons why Ishan should open with Rohit Sharma in NZ vs IND 5th ODI.
Reasons why Ishan Kishan should open alongside Rohit Sharma in final ODI
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1. Left-hand and right-hand combination
Ishan Kishan’s addition at the top will give India a left-hand and right-hand combination. Matt Henry ran through India’s top three right-handers from the same channel. But with a left-hander at the top, bowlers will have to change their line.
Putting Ishan can disrupt the rhythm and angles of the Kiwi new-ball bowlers. With Shubman Gill not available, India can try Ishan at the top.
2. Aggressive batting style
Unlike Gill or Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan has an aggressive batting style. He has proved it in the shorter format, which also helped him gain the no. 1 ranking in the T20Is. Ishan likes to attack the bowlers in the powerplay, which can put opposition under pressure.
It can also allow his batting partner to take time and settle down. On his day, he can score quickly against the new ball and give the team a good start.
3. Proven record as an Opener
Not long ago, Ishan smashed a 27-ball fifty in the fifth T20I against New Zealand. The left-hander has been a proven match-winner at the top and did well in the T20I series. Opening the inning is his usual position, where he has batted majority of his career.
Additionally, it will put Gaikwad at nos. 4 or 5, which will allow him to spend some time on the crease and take the innings along. It will also give stability to the Indian middle-order, which has struggled on this tour. The last time Gaikwad batted at no. 4, he scored runs consistently.
When and where will the final NZ vs IND ODI take place?
The final NZ vs IND ODI take place at Bay Oval on Saturday.
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