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Ishan Kishan in action. (FILE photo)
India will defend their World Cup title at home next year, starting from February 7. The selectors have picked the 15-member squad for the showpiece event on Saturday. Two of the surprise changes made to the squad from the one picked for the recently concluded South Africa series were excluding vice-captain Shubman Gill and including Jharkhand’s captain in the Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy, Ishan Kishan, into the side. Former Indian off-spinner R Ashwin said Ishan got his Indian place back as he has given the respect the game deserves.
“This is a gift that cricket has given to Ishan Kishan. Many people from outside can guess what it is, and some may say it’s unfair. But life comes back in circles. The reason Ishan was not in the team earlier, and how he has come back now, has only one reason. He has given cricket the respect it deserves,” said Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Jharkhand has won the SMAT trophy. Ishan in the tournament, scored 517 runs from 10 innings at an average of 57.44 and a strike rate of 197.32.
“He played in the Buchi Babu Trophy. A player like Ishan Kishan came and represented Jharkhand in the tournament held in Chennai. He was the number one performer in Ranji Trophy preparations for Jharkhand and once again scored runs in first-class cricket. In SMAT, he led the team to victory, and he also performed exceptionally well. That’s why this is not about Ishan Kishan the person; it’s about Ishan Kishan the cricketer, who went through the yards of the game, respected the game, and hence succeeded,” he added.
“The selectors are sending a loud and clear message: whatever player you are, whether big or small, whether you are a newcomer, perform in first-class cricket and we have our eyes on you. Of course, Ishan Kishan has a pedigree. The way he scored a double century in ODI cricket is a testament to his quality. But this is great news for Indian cricket,” Ashwin further said.
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