Who will replace Rishabh Pant? Sourav Ganguly names India's first-choice wicket-keeper for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has opined on wicket-keeper conundrum for World Cup 2023.

Rishabh Pant has entered the field and started batting at the National Cricket Academy in practice games. But he is still not fit enough to be drafted back into team India. As the World Cup is coming closer, along with the number 4 spot in the middle order, Indian are still in search of a wicket-keeper batter to replace Rishabh Pant and be in the team as a reserve. Reports suggest that KL Rahul is fit enough to get included in the Indian team for the upcoming Asia Cup. Rahul will be playing as a middle-order batter as well as a wicket-keeper for the team. For the reserve wicket-keeper position, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has suggested a name.

Sourav Ganguly wants Ishan Kishan in team

Along with KL Rahul, management will be looking to draft one more wicket-keeper to be on the safer side as Rishabh Pant is unavailable due to his accidental injuries. The former Indian captain has suggested to keep Ishan Kishan in the 15-member squad for the Asia Cup and World Cup in 2023. Sourav Ganguly said, “Pant is the best wicket-keeper in the country, but you can see Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul (depending on their fitness); these two will be right up in Rohit’s and Rahul’s minds. Sanju Samson is also in contention, along with left-hander Ishan Kishan, for the wicket-keeper role.

Ishan Kishan batted brilliantly in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against West Indies. Kishan played as an opener along with Shubman Gill in the three-match ODI series and scored 184 runs in three innings. He also smashed half-centuries in all three innings he played against West Indies. With this performance, Kishan has put his name among the contenders for a place in the 15-member squad. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly also suggested keeping him along and added, “I like Ishan Kishan because he just opens up the game for any team. I am sure Dravid will keep him in his plans.”

Sourav Ganguly also predicted his top-5 teams to be the favourites for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Ganguly included India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, and England as his top 5 favourites for the tournament. He said, “I presume Australia will be one, England, Pakistan, and don’t rule New Zealand out… But if you ask me my best 5 at the moment, it’s Australia, England, New Zealand, India, and Pakistan.” The World Cup opener will be played between England and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.