'He deserved his spot in the playing XI..' - Former India player questions Ishan Kishan's absence from last two T20Is against Australia

A former cricketer, Ajay Jadeja, has recently questioned Team India's choice to rest wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan during the fourth and fifth T20Is against Australia. Despite India going on to win the series under Suryakumar Yadav this was the question that pretty much sparked in everyone’s mind. Even, Kishan was in exceptional form as he has scored two half-centuries plus scores in the three matches in which he played. 

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The former India batter also expressed the opinion that the team management should provide Ishan with a continuous opportunity to help him evolve into a well-rounded player. The southpaw participated in only two matches during the ODI World Cup and was sidelined when Shubman Gill recovered from illness.

"There was a series right after the World Cup. Ishan Kishan played three matches and went home. Was he really that tired after three matches that he needed rest? He didn't even play a lot of games at the World Cup. He deserved his spot in the playing XI for the first few World Cup matches. How many Indian players have scored a double century on a good day?" Jadeja said.

This implies that Ishan Kishan may not be adequately prepared for crucial games if he is being advised to take a break after only a few matches. Ishan Kishan did not complete the entire five-match T20I series against Australia; he was released after three matches for rest. Therefore, the question arises about how one can ensure that he will be fully prepared if this pattern persists.

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"Ishan Kishan didn't even play the entire five-match T20I series against Australia. He was sent home after three matches to rest. So, if this is going to continue, how will you ensure that he is fully ready?" Jadeja said.

Australia didn’t have a set plan: Jadeja

Entering the 2023 World Cup final, Rohit Sharma and his team had a remarkable record of 10 consecutive victories, including a triumph against New Zealand in the semi-finals. Despite this, India experienced a devastating six-wicket loss to Australia in the championship match.

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Discussing the defeat, Ajay Jadeja asserted that Australia's effective planning against India was facilitated by the consistent approach the Indian side maintained throughout the entire tournament. In the final, Australia successfully chased down the target of 241 runs to secure their sixth ODI World Cup trophy. Travis Head was pivotal in steering his team to a memorable victory, showcasing a superb innings of 137 runs.

"Australia didn't have a set plan. We have seen Glenn Maxwell come in at No. 3 after a big opening stand. They changed their No. 3 batter based on the opening partnership. India, on the other hand, stuck to the same approach, which is why Australia were able to make a plan," Jadeja said.