There is an abundance of options in all divisions of the Indian cricket team, and across formats, the wicket-taker position is one of them. Rishabh Pant has been the first choice, but the management has Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and even part-time KL Rahul to choose from. The youngest Ishan opened the match with former U19 team-mate Pant on Tuesday.

Although both were part of the same Indian U19 team, Pant was included in the first-team squad as early as 2018 after his impressive performances in the Indian Premier League. It is not until 2021 that Ishan will make his international debut.

In an interview with the Times of India, Ishan admitted that the rivalry between the two is healthy and that he needs to make the most of his opportunities when Pant is not part of the team.

“Obviously, I want to play every game as a goalkeeper and a batsman. But we have Rishabh and he works really well for the team. So I have to be content with the opportunities I get, which is fine for me. Competition is always a healthy thing,” he said.

The 23-year-old continued to open up about his friendship with Pant, saying he never felt the need to take his place on the team.

“Oh yes, he’s [Rishabh Pant] a really good friend. Whenever the two of us are around you, you’ll find us hanging out a lot. We just keep watching movies whenever we have time. We also talk a lot to each other. With regard to the game of cricket, it could have been done differently. I told him my thoughts and he did the same. I never thought I would want his place and I can assure you that it does. Most importantly The thing is, when we’re playing cricket, we don’t even think we’re competing against each other,” he added.

In the T20I series in Sri Lanka, where India will play three games at home, Ishan will have a chance to prove his worth as a wicketkeeper-batsman, with the selectors resting Pant in the series. The 24-year-old did come out of the bio-bubble on Saturday, so Kishan took on the role of goalkeeper in Kolkata’s third T20I match against West Indies.

“It’s also fun when you have a great game against a talented player. You start seeing these important things for yourself – play cricket well and everything else will take care of itself. I love goalkeeping so I Will try to seize every opportunity,” he added.

However, Pant will face stiff competition from Sanju Samson, who has been recalled to the Indian T20I team for the home series.

Complete News Source : Hindustan times