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‘To ye hai tumhara replacement?’- Twitter trolls selectors after Ishan Kishan announced as KL Rahul’s replacement for WTC Final

The Indian Cricket Board announced on Monday that Ishan Kishan will replace KL Rahul in India’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Kishan, who is yet to make his […]

May 8, 2023 6:38 pm

The Indian Cricket Board announced on Monday that Ishan Kishan will replace KL Rahul in India’s squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Kishan, who is yet to make his Test debut, has featured in 48 First-Class matches and has accumulated 2985 runs at an average of 38.76. He has also accounted for 99 catches and 11 stumping in his FC career. Kishan was earlier named in India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad earlier this year but did not get a game.

In Rahul’s absence due to a thigh injury, Kishan will be the second wicket-keeper behind KS Bharat. The inclusion of Kishan demonstrates India’s willingness to give young talent opportunities. Kishan has been impressive in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 293 runs in ten matches in the ongoing season, averaging 29.30 with two fifties.

The squad also includes the seam duo of Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav, who suffered injuries during the IPL 2023 season. Unadkat sustained a left shoulder injury while bowling in the nets for Lucknow Super Giants, while Umesh sustained a minor left hamstring injury during a game for Kolkata Knight Riders. The Indian Cricket Board said that a call on their participation will be taken later.

India’s stand-by players for the WTC final are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav. India, who were the runners-up in the inaugural edition, will be looking to win the WTC final and be crowned world champions for the first time. With the final being played in England, where the conditions will favor seamers, the inclusion of Jaydev Unadkat and Umesh Yadav if they recover from their injuries will add depth to India’s bowling attack.

India’s squad for the WTC final includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, and Ishan Kishan (wk). The WTC final will be played at the Oval in London, starting June 7.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Ishan Kishan getting into the WTC squad:

Only standby player which actually make any sense is Mukesh Kumar. And as for the for remaining two, I can only laugh at the management.

How on earth will players like Sarfaraz Khan, Abhimanyu Easwaran will get any experience when you don't even consider taking them with you.

— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) May 8, 2023