Ishan Kishan played an outstanding 210-run knock in the third one-day international (ODI) against Bangladesh at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhary Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday. Notably, India’s veteran opening pair of skipper Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan has not performed well in the past few months. With only a few months to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Kishan’s innings has given an option for selectors for the opening slot. Shubhman Gill is also doing well for quite a long time.
Following Kishan’s brilliant knock, veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik gave a big statement on Dhawan’s future. Dhawan struggled with the bat during the Bangladesh series. His selection for upcoming Sri Lanka could be doubtful. The veteran opener has an exceptional record in ICC tournaments. However, his past form is a matter of concern for Team India.
Talking about Dhawan’s selection for Sri Lanka series, Karthik told Cricbuzz, “For Sri Lanka series, where does Dhawan stand? It is going to be interesting to see how they are going to leave out Ishan Kishan. Shubman Gill has been doing so well. If Rohit Sharma is available, somebody has to miss out. It could well be him (Dhawan). That could be a sad end to a glorious career. But some questions to answer for the new selectors.”
The veteran wicketkeeper further added that if Sharma is not available for Sri Lanka series, then Gill could replace him. “Interestingly, if Shubman Gill had been part of the squad, he would have probably opened because he has been doing it for some time with aplomb. Ishan Kishan, given an opportunity, has taken it with both hands. This is going to put Shikhar Dhawan in a fix,” Karthik added.
Kishan smashed 210 runs off 131 balls, becoming the fastest Indian batter to score a double century. India thrashed Bangladesh by over 200 runs in the third ODI. However, India lost the three-match ODI series 1-2.
