Rain Washes Out Thrilling India vs Pakistan Contest, Sparks Debate in Indian Cricket Fraternity

Introduction

Rain might have dampened the mood of thousands who waited through the frustrating weather in Pallekele as the thrilling contest between India and Pakistan in 2023 Asia Cup was washed out, but the 48.5 overs of action has sparked a massive debate in Indian cricket fraternity with the ICC ODI World Cup just a month away.

Ishan Kishan Shines for India

• Ishan Kishan emerged as the best batter for India with his knock of 82 off 81 against Pakistan.
• His performance, along with Hardik Pandya’s 87, gave India hope before rain had the final say in the contest.
• The knock sparked a debate on whom should the team management now pick as the frontline wicketkeeper-batter for the World Cup squad.
• Former India cricketers Gautam Gambhir and Mohammad Kaif got involved in a heated exchange on live TV discussing the topic.

Debate on Frontline Wicketkeeper-batter

Ishan Kishan, who walked into the playing XI after KL Rahul was ruled out of the group stages owing to an injury concern, has sparked a debate on who should be the frontline wicketkeeper-batter for the World Cup squad.

Rahul’s Injury and Ishan’s Performance

Ishan was always India’s back-up wicketkeeping option despite having a double century to his name and proven his worth as a top-order batter. Rahul, who was named as the primary choice option, stayed back at the NCA in Bengaluru to work on his fresh injury concern. Ishan negated the fierce Pakistan pace attack and combined with Hardik Pandya to stitch a record 138-run stand.

Gautam Gambhir and Mohammad Kaif’s Opinions

Mohammad Kaif believes that when Rahul becomes fit, he will walk into the XI due to his proven match-winning abilities. Gautam Gambhir, on the other hand, believes that form should be given more importance when preparing to win a World Cup.

Gambhir Makes his Point

Gautam Gambhir justifies why Ishan Kishan should be picked as the frontline wicketkeeper-batter ahead of KL Rahul. He states that Ishan has done everything possible to become the frontrunner and has performed impressively against a strong bowling attack like Pakistan.

Conclusion

Ishan Kishan has one more opportunity to prove his worth in the match against Nepal before KL Rahul makes his comeback into the squad.

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