In the preparation of the Indian team for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Ishan Kishan is becoming a key figure. His appointment as vice-captain for the last two matches against New Zealand is a significant moment. Thanks to his three qualities—the ability to play as an opener, a wicketkeeper, and a middle-order batsman—Ishan differs from a highly specialized batsman like Yashasvi Jaiswal. The question arises whether Ishan's multifunctionality can prove more valuable to a 15-man squad than Jaiswal's talent.
Forming a team for the World Cup is a complex task for any selector, especially with a limit of 15 players and numerous contenders for each position. A similar situation is currently observed in Indian cricket. If we assume that spots in the top order are occupied by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the path for a talented batsman like Yashasvi Jaiswal does not look easy. However, Ishan Kishan's entry into this discussion presented selectors with an interesting option.
Ishan is not limited to the role of an opening batsman; he is capable of acting as a wicketkeeper and playing in the middle order if necessary. This means that selecting one player brings three different options to the team. Considering the preparation for the 2027 World Cup, this versatility could be his main advantage.
During bilateral series, the management has the opportunity to test players, but for the World Cup, only 15 people need to be selected. Under such conditions, selectors need players who can perform multiple functions. Ishan is a strong candidate in this regard. Instead of choosing separate players for each of the three roles, including Ishan in the squad allows saving one additional spot. Therefore, his value cannot be measured solely by batting statistics.
The main difficulty for Yashasvi Jaiswal lies not in his talent, but in the current team playing structure. Rohit Sharma demonstrated an impressive return in the ODI format, scoring two centuries and another tournament on 92 runs in four matches, which strengthened his intention to participate in the next World Cup. The opening pair with Shubman Gill is also important for the team. This directly affected Jaiswal. After scoring 110 runs off no balls against Afghanistan in Chennai in June, he did not play in the ODI format and could not secure a place in the ODI squad.
Nevertheless, Jaiswal's statistics testify to his talent: he is the only batsman in Indian history to score two centuries in the first six ODIs. The problem is that his natural batting order is opening. In 41 List A matches, he played only three times outside the first and second positions. He does not have options in bowling or wicketkeeping.
Thus, if the Rohit and Gill pair maintains their positions, it will be a difficult decision for selectors to keep Jaiswal only as a reserve opener.
Ishan's specialty is that he has proven his usefulness in different batting orders in the ODI format. As an opener, he scored runs at an average of 61.87 in nine matches, including a double century. Playing at the second position, his average was 34, and his strike rate was 97.45. His innings of 125 runs against Afghanistan was also very significant. He scored a century coming in at the fourth position off 79 balls. This innings demonstrates that Ishan is capable of scoring quickly not only during the powerplay with a new ball but also in the middle order.
Undoubtedly, after his international comeback, he hasn't had many opportunities in the ODI format, and his practice in this format has been limited. However, his ability to play is not in doubt. The real need is to give him the chance to play in various circumstances.
After returning to international cricket, Ishan Kishan also demonstrated brilliant performance in the T20 format. In the last match of the series against New Zealand, he played an explosive innings of 61 runs off 32 balls. His game showed obvious aggressive behavior and the ability to score runs against different types of bowlers. It is now expected that he will play in a similar role in the ODI series. An important point is that after players return to the Test format, Ishan will almost certainly be given the opportunity to play in the fourth and fifth ODI matches. In these two matches, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will not be available. Ishan has also been entrusted with the responsibility of vice-captain in these matches.
However, the main question is whether he will get a chance only in the last two matches or if the team management will start using him earlier. If Ishan is seriously considered in the World Cup preparation, it is crucial to give him the opportunity to play in various batting orders.
This confrontation is not just between two batsmen. It is a question of two different types of utility. Jaiswal is an opening specialist whose record...
