IND vs SA | I'd persist with Ishan Kishan even after Kohli, Rohit, and Rahul return: Gautam Gambhir

India's batting woes continue in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Across Delhi and Cuttack, Indian batters have collectively struggled to get going. Only Ishan Kishan is somewhat in form despite being scratchy and securing 110 runs in two games.

Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that Indian team management should continue with Kishan even after big guns like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul return to the setup.

Speaking to official broadcasters, Gautam said, "The question is, when KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli return, will the Indian team persist with them? Because you always talk about x-factor and about having a fearless approach. Whether he scores runs or not, he brings in that fearless approach. Will they be tempted to start with him and Rohit and play KL Rahul in the middle order. "

The former World Cup-winning player said that Kishan's ability to play on the backfoot holds good for India, who are building a team for the upcoming T20 World Cup in Australia.

"But I would want to persist with him in Australian conditions where there will be bouncy wickets and he loves to pull off the backfoot and he hits the length ball very well. I think they should persist with him for this T20 World Cup. If he is in the scheme of things they play him till the World Cup," he added.

India are currently trailing the 5-match T20I series 0-2. One of the main reasons for India's losses has been their lacklustre bowling, where the unit failed to defend 211 runs in Delhi and let the match slip out of their grasp after pinning the Proteas 29 for three at Cuttack last evening.

The third match at Vishakhapatnam on Tuesday (June 14) is a must-win game if India wants to keep their winning streak at home intact. They are currently on a seven-match losing streak against the Temba Bavuma-led side.