Ishan Kishan’s role to keep wickets ahead of Sanju Samson in the fifth Twenty20 International against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram was not taken too seriously by India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who stated that the stumper’s responsibilities were always meant to be shared in this series.
In the series’ last game, Samson was a pure batter, although he was only able to score six runs off as many balls. Kishan scored an opulent century to stake claim in India’s playing eleven as a wicketkeeper-batter for the forthcoming T20 World Cup.
“I think both the keepers were playing since game one as Tilak was not available. So, we had decided before the series that three games will be kept by Sanju Samson and two games will be kept by Ishan. Ishan unfortunately missed the last game because of a niggle but he was anyway going to keep wickets in this match,” PTI quoted Suryakumar as saying during the post-match press conference.
Tilak Varma, who is recuperating from testicular surgery, will be joining the squad in Mumbai for the two practice games, according to the Mumbai batter.
“Tilak Verma has been shaping well. I heard he is playing two games in Bombay on the 2nd and the 4th. I think two games are enough. I spoke to him yesterday only. He has started batting, bowling, fielding and everything. So, hopefully, we should have him soon,” he said.
All-rounder Washington Sundar, who is recuperating from a rib ailment, has also been doing well in his rehabilitation, according to Suryakumar.
“I think Washy is also doing well. We spoke to both of them (Tilak and Washington) yesterday. Tilak is much better. Washy has almost started his bowling and batting. He is also looking good. Hopefully, we get him back soon,” Suryakumar added.
