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R Ashwin Gives Verdict on KL Rahul vs Ishan Kishan Debate for World Cup 2023

image-lmae90s5Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul | Source: Twitter 

Ravichandran Ashwin, the seasoned Indian off-spinner, shared his insights on India's composition for the ICC World Cup 2023, which is set to be played in India from October 5. 

One of the major subjects of discussion, Ashwin has supported Team India's choice to include KL Rahul in the 15-player squad for the prestigious event.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently unveiled a 15-member squad for the ICC World Cup 2023, and the inclusion of both Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul has raised intriguing questions about the team's playing XI for this prestigious event. 

Addressing the million-dollar question surrounding KL Rahul's place in the playing XI, R Ashwin highlights the management's responsibility to offer him an extended run, considering his vital role in the team. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, he elucidated:

“When you have selected KL Rahul knowing that he is an important player, then he should be given a fair run. How will the team give him that is the million-dollar question. If he is in the playing XI, then people should not say that there is too much chopping and changing.” 

KL Rahul Back In Action 

image-lmaehuwdKL Rahul has joined team India in Colombo • Source: Twitter 

KL Rahul, India's senior wicket-keeper, who had to sit out of the first two matches of the Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan and Nepal due to an injury, is now back in contention as he has successfully recovered and joined the Indian squad in Sri Lanka ahead of their Super 4 encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan in Colombo. 

However, the Indian management now faces a big dilemma as Ishan Kishan, who stepped in as a replacement for KL Rahul at number five during the opening match against Pakistan, delivered a breathtaking performance with 82 runs and dropping him in the upcoming Super 4 encounter would not be fair on the Ranchi batter. 

On the other hand, KL Rahul has consistently been the linchpin of Team India's ODI lineup, primarily batting at number five. On numerous occasions, he has displayed his acumen in the middle order, guiding the team to victory. Therefore, excluding him from the playing XI would not do justice to his contributions. 

In addition, Ravichandran Ashwin showered praises on Ishan Kishan for his exceptional performance against Pakistan, describing him as a versatile player whose inclusion provides India with a left-hander factor in the middle order. 

"So, Ishan Kishan is also a back-up opener along with being a back-up wicket-keeper, he is a two-in-one player. Now that Ishan Kishan has succeeded at No. 5, it gives India two left-handers in the middle order. Everyone was going gaga over left-handers and they were saying Ishan Kishan cannot bat at No.5, but he has delivered now.” 

The suspense revolving Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul will come to an end this Saturday, September 10, as India clashes with Pakistan in Colombo.