Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer believes the management should give Ishan Kishan a long rope despite his below-par returns in the first two matches against West Indies in Kolkata. Jaffer feels there is no point in giving Ruturaj Gaikwad a game, who has been warming the benches.
Giving further clarification on the same, the ex-Test specialist mentioned that it is better to have continuity by giving chances to the same players for the entire series. Speaking on ESPNCricinfor, Wasim Jaffer said:
“We need to give Ishan Kishan another game and play him in the third T20I. Then we must think about giving Ruturaj (Gaikwad) a chance in the Sri Lanka series. He should be given a longer rope, maybe a series. No point giving Ruturaj one game. It makes sense to have continuity with players so they know that they are going to play the full series.”
Ishan Kishan has had dismal returns in the first two matches of the series. He scored 35 runs in the 1st T20I but looked miles away from his best. In the last game as well, the southpaw managed to score only two runs before top-edging one to the point fielder.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who has been on a run-scoring spree since IPL 2021, has been sitting in the wings waiting for an opportunity.
Wasim Jaffer further said that the team needs to be ‘patent’ with Ishan Kishan, who has been touted as one who will serve Indian cricket for a long period.
“We need to be patient with Ishan Kishan. We all know that he is a quality player. He has got fifties on T20I and ODI debuts and has such a fine IPL record for Mumbai Indians. But he has just been bought for ₹15 crore, that plays on players’ minds. And, it wasn’t easy straightaway. The ball was swinging a little. Even Rohit (Sharma) scored at almost a run-a-ball for his 19. We need to leave him alone. Once he gets going, he’ll be fine,” said Jaffer.