“God’s favorite child” – Ishan Kishan picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement in India XI for Afghanistan ODIs

“God’s favorite child” – Ishan Kishan picked as Virat Kohli’s replacement in India XI for Afghanistan ODIs

Aakash Chopra Backs Ishan Kishan for No. 3 Position in India’s Playing XI

Former India opener Aakash Chopra has thrown his support behind Ishan Kishan to replace the in India’s playing XI for the upcoming first ODI against Afghanistan. With the match set to kick off the three-match ODI series on June 13 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, all eyes are on the team’s selection and batting combination.

Chopra’s Endorsement of Ishan Kishan

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed his confidence in Ishan Kishan’s ability to seize the opportunity presented by the vacant No. 3 spot in the Indian team. Chopra highlighted Kishan’s track record of stepping up whenever a chance arises and making an immediate impact with his performance.

“Whenever doors have opened, unknowingly, it’s Ishan Kishan who walks in. He’s standing there when the door is opened, walks into the team, scores runs, and establishes himself. He always does that,” Chopra remarked.

Ishan Kishan’s Remarkable Comeback

Over the past year, Ishan Kishan has made a remarkable resurgence in his cricketing career. Despite facing challenges with his commitment that led to being left out of national contention, Kishan worked hard to earn back his spot. His impressive leadership for Jharkhand in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and consistent performances in the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026 season have showcased his talent.

With 933 runs in 27 ODI matches at an average of 42.40 and a strike rate of 102.19, Kishan has proven his worth in the Indian squad. His historic 210 against Bangladesh remains a standout performance. Considering his recent form, Aakash Chopra believes Kishan is the frontrunner for the crucial No. 3 position in the batting lineup.

Chopra’s Predicted XI

In his anticipated playing XI for the first ODI against Afghanistan, Aakash Chopra has omitted Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was brought in as a replacement for the injured Virat Kohli. Chopra envisions Ishan Kishan taking up the No. 3 role, accompanied by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers.

The middle order, as per Chopra’s prediction, includes Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Washington Sundar. This lineup provides a balance of solid batting options and additional bowling strength through Sundar and Reddy.

For the bowling attack, Chopra has included Kuldeep Yadav as the lead spinner, supported by pacers Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh. Additionally, he expects uncapped fast bowler Prince Yadav to make his international debut in the upcoming series against Afghanistan.

With Ishan Kishan’s resurgence and Aakash Chopra’s endorsement, all eyes will be on India’s final playing XI for the first ODI as they aim to begin the series on a winning note.

The Rise of Ishan Kishan

Since making his debut for India, Ishan Kishan has been on a steady rise in the cricketing world. His ability to adapt to various formats of the game and deliver under pressure has caught the attention of many cricket pundits and fans alike. Kishan’s aggressive style of play combined with his solid technique makes him a formidable force in the Indian batting lineup.

One of the key aspects of Kishan’s game is his temperament. He has shown maturity beyond his years, often anchoring the innings when the team is in trouble and accelerating the run rate when needed. His fearless approach to batting has earned him praise from several cricketing legends, who see him as a future leader in the Indian team.

The No. 3 Conundrum

With the absence of a settled No. 3 batsman in the Indian team, the position has been a subject of much debate and speculation. Aakash Chopra’s backing of Ishan Kishan for this crucial role underscores the youngster’s potential to fill the void left by established players in the past. If given the chance, Kishan has the opportunity to cement his place in the team and become a mainstay in the lineup for years to come.

Traditionally, the No. 3 position is reserved for a player who can stabilize the innings after the fall of an early wicket and set the platform for the middle order to capitalize on. Ishan Kishan’s adaptability and versatility make him a suitable candidate for this role, as he has the ability to adjust his game according to the match situation and play both attacking and defensive strokes with equal ease.

Looking Ahead

As India prepares to take on Afghanistan in the upcoming ODI series, the spotlight will be on Ishan Kishan and his performance at the No. 3 position. His success in this role could have far-reaching implications for the Indian team’s batting lineup and overall strategy. If Kishan lives up to the expectations set by Aakash Chopra and continues his stellar form, he could emerge as a linchpin in India’s quest for cricketing glory.

With a blend of experience and youth in the predicted playing XI, India will be looking to make a strong statement in the first ODI against Afghanistan. The team’s composition, led by Ishan Kishan at No. 3, reflects a balance of established performers and rising talents, setting the stage for an exciting clash between two competitive sides.

As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the outcome of the series, all eyes will be on Ishan Kishan and his ability to seize the moment and make a lasting impact on the game.

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