'He brings fearlessness': Wasim Jaffer identifies Ishan Kishan's replacement for T20I series decider vs West Indies
Wasim Jaffer wants Ishan Kishan to make way for a promising young talent in the third T20I against the West Indies.
With India's misfiring batting order in the spotlight, former India opener Wasim Jaffer feels superstar Ishan Kishan should make way for a promising young talent in the third T20I of the ongoing series against the West Indies on Tuesday. For the first time since 2016, the Rahul Dravid-coached side suffered back-to-back defeats to the West Indies. India'second string side led by all-rounder Hardik Pandya first lost a final-over thriller at the Brian Lara Stadium.
The Rohit Sharma-less side was then upstaged the West Indies by 2 wickets in the 2nd T20I of the five-match series last week at the Providence Stadium. Opener Kishan, who smashed back-to-back three half-centuries in the One Day International (ODI) series, has struggled to score runs against the same opposition in the shortest format.
As the top-order failure has put India on the brink of a series defeat, ex-Indian cricketer Jaffer wants Dravid and Co. to rest Kishan for the 3rd T20I against the West Indies on Tuesday. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo about India's possible playing XI for the series decider, Jaffer observed that the visitors should replace Kishan with Yashasvi Jaiswal. “We know that Ishan Kishan has struggled in the T20 internationals, so give him a break. He might come back stronger when he plays next,” Jaffer said.
‘I would pick Yashasvi Jaiswal without a doubt’
Kishan scored only 6 off 9 balls in the 1st T20I between India and the West Indies. The Indian southpaw then made a positive start in the 2nd T20I. However, Kishan was cleaned up by West Indies pacer Romario Shepherd for 27 off 23 balls as Hardik Pandya's Team India posted a below-par total of 152-7 in 20 overs. “I would pick Yashasvi Jaiswal without a doubt just because he brings that fearlessness. He plays spin well and his batting against fast bowling is exemplary. He’s right at the peak of his game, high on confidence, so why not throw him in the mix and see what you get? He’s got runs in Tests and he’s looking for an opportunity. You might get a breath of fresh air like you did with Tilak Varma, so why not?,” Jaffer added. Earlier, youngster Jaiswal had scored a sublime century in his debut game for India against the West Indies. However, Jaiswal is yet to make his T20I debut in the Caribbean.
