Former Indian spinner Murali Kartik has questioned the team management for changing Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s batting position in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. Kishan was expected to open the innings with Rohit Sharma whereas Gaikwad was expected to bat in the middle order.
However, Gaikwad will open the innings with Rohit whereas in-form Kishan will bat at number five. Gaikwad and Kishan were added to the playing XI after Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were released from the ODI squad to start their preparation for the Test series.
“I don’t know, to be honest, because I personally feel that the way Ishan has gone of late, the best place for him is up top. You obviously can’t come in at No.3 because Virat is out there. … So, I think, for me, cricket sense says that keep Ishan where he should be and keep Ruturaj where you are asking him to be, rather than swapping it again and muddling the pond again. I just hope better sense prevails,” Murali Kartik said on Cricbuzz.
On the other hand, former Indian wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik had a different opinion, stating the team management wants to give the best opportunity to Gaikwad at the top of the order.
“I personally feel that they are trying to give Ruturaj the best chance possible, the best opportunity possible, because he is a bona fide opener. … Who will you get more out of, Rutu or Ishan batting at No.5? I believe that the way Ishan is batting, he will definitely give a lot more batting at No.5. I am not too fussed about it personally; I quite understand where they are coming from,” he opined.
New Zealand have posted 300-7 after 46 overs after India elected to field first.
