Former Indian cricketer Maninder Singh believes that Ishan Kishan is the best option to replace Rishabh Pant in the Indian team in the coming months. Rishabh Pant had a car accident on 30 December, in which he suffered many injuries.
It may take a long time for Rishabh Pant to recover. Pant was rested for the limited overs series against Sri Lanka anyway. He was to report to the NCA in Bengaluru in the first week of January for training to increase knee strength.
Ishan Kishan got a chance in the limited overs series against Sri Lanka, having impressed by scoring the fastest double century in the third ODI against Bangladesh. Ishan Kishan became the youngest player to score a double century in ODI cricket.
Maninder Singh said that Pant may take time to recover after the accident and Ishan Kishan is a suitable option to fill his place. In an exclusive interview to My Khel, Maninder Singh said, ‘If Rishabh Pant is unfortunately not available for selection due to an accident, then I believe the team management should go for Ishan Kishan. If Pant is not there, then Kishan is the ideal option.
He further said, ‘It is the job of the team management and selectors to reward such a talented player and I believe Ishan Kishan has the potential to become a big match player. I think if there is anyone close to Rishabh Pant across all formats, it is Ishan Kishan.
Ishan Kishan did not get a chance in the T20 World Cup 2022 and since then he has worked hard on himself. After Bangladesh, Kishan also performed brilliantly in Ranji Trophy and scored a century against Kerala.
Rishabh Pant is looking out of the team for a long time. In such a situation, it is expected that Ishan Kishan may get a chance to play Test for the first time. With Wriddhiman Saha no longer in the scheme, the team management will look for another wicketkeeper with KS Bharat.
