With Ishan Kishan repaying selectors’ faith in the recently concluded T20I series between India and South Africa, former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer is convinced that the Mumbai Indians (MI) star has pipped Ruturaj Gaikwad for the third opener’s spot at the T20 World Cup. Kishan, who triggered a bidding war at the auction of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, has strengthened his selection case after playing a series of impressive knocks for the Rahul Dravid-coached side in the international arena.

Spearheading the batting attack of the Rishabh Pant-led side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, opener Kishan top-scored for India in the 1st T20I of the five-match series against the Proteas. A scintillating 76 off 48 balls was followed by a crucial 34 off 21 balls in the 2nd T20I. Kishan notched up another half-century (54 off 35 balls) in Vizag before signing off from the series with a sedate 26-ball 27-run knock in the 4th T20I at Rajkot.

Reflecting on Kishan’s free-scoring run against South Africa in the recently concluded T20I series, former Indian opener Jaffer opined that the MI star has an edge over the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter. “I think Ishan Kishan, based on this series, has pipped Ruturaj Gaikwad for the spot of the third opener for the T20 World Cup. But since KL Rahul is injured, Gaikwad might get the nod for the third opener. He definitely has the talent and the potential and has shown it in some games. He does lack consistency but doesn’t lack talent and potential,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo.

Kishan emerged as the leading run-getter for India in the five-match series against South Africa. Batting at a strike rate of 150.36, the wicketkeeper-batter amassed 206 runs from 5 matches. Kishan will also open the innings for Team India in their next white-ball assignment. Under the leadership of stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya, India will play two T20I games against Ireland in June.