Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India captain Rohit Sharma on Tuesday confirmed that wicket keeper batter Ishan Kishan will play in the first ODI against New Zealand and bat in the middle order. Ishan did not get a single opportunity in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka. But with Shreyas Iyer ruled out due to an injury and KL Rahul given a break, Ishan is all set to get an opportunity in the ODI series opener at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal, Hyderabad.
“Kishan will be batting in the middle order. I am glad he could get a run here after that fine knock in Bangladesh,” Rohit Sharma said in the pre match press conference in Hyderabad.
All eyes will be on local boy Mohammed Siraj too. The Indian captain is mighty impressed with Siraj’s progress as a fast bowler in recent times.
“He is a very important player for us, He has improved his line and length a lot in the last two years. Now we are getting to see his outswing. He was not known for his swing but he did that against Sri Lanka. That is very good for the team if he can do that with the new ball consistently,” said Rohit.
He went on to add, “He now knows what the team wants from him. He can take wickets in all phases and we need bowlers like him. We need to manage him and keep him fresh for the World Cup as well as the upcoming Tests against Australia.”
Rohit also dropped a hint that Shardul Thakur can be included in the playing XI. The medium pacer has been travelling with the Indian white ball squad since the Bangladesh series. The cricketer from Mumbai can be added to provide more depth in batting.
According to Rohit, “You want to play your best eleven at the end of the day. Number 8 and 9 is going to be a challenge for us, someone who can bat at that point. That is why we got Shardul in, he can give us that edge at No 8.”
Here is the press conference of Indian captain Rohit Sharma: