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WTC Final: Can Ishan Kishan Be A Perfect Replacement For Rishabh Pant? Here's What Sanjay Manjrekar Had To Say


image-lie6sju2Ishan Kishan warming up in the nets. (Twitter)

Sanjay Manjrekar, the former Indian batsman, has expressed his opinion that Ishan Kishan should be included in the Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, instead of KS Bharat. Kishan, who was initially named as a reserve player, was drafted into the squad after KL Rahul was ruled out due to a thigh injury he suffered during the Indian Premier League (IPL).

"I would like to see him (Kishan) play in that one Test match. I know it's a slightly out-of-the-box suggestion but we have seen KS Bharat and what he can do. He is a steady sort of batter and a decent keeper," said Manjrekar in an interview with Star Sports on a show.

He believes that Ishan Kishan has the potential to fulfill the role that Rishabh Pant has been playing for the Indian cricket team in recent years. Kishan has accumulated a total of 2985 runs in 48 first-class matches, with a decent average of 38.76. Additionally, he has demonstrated his fielding skills by taking 99 catches, although not all of them were as a wicketkeeper, and has also executed 11 stumpings.

"We are missing Rishabh Pant, who was India's best Test batter for the last two years by a mile. So if you want that Rishabh Pant kind of effect down the order to put pressure back on the opposition, maybe Ishan Kishan is the solution," Manjrekar added.

During India's recent home series against Australia, KS Bharat had the opportunity to play four Test matches. While he showcased competence as a wicketkeeper, his batting performance was subpar, scoring only 101 runs in six innings with an average of 20.20. 

It remains to be seen whether the Indian team management will persist with Bharat due to his superior skills behind the stumps or opt for Ishan Kishan, considering his explosive batting abilities. The decision will undoubtedly be an interesting one for the Indian think-tank.