Former batting coach Sanjay Bangar has emphasized that the primary wicket-keeping position is a subject of debate for the Indian team. This issue comes to the forefront as India readies itself to confront Australia in the third and final ODI.
In an interview with Star Sports, Bangar expressed uncertainty about who will take on the wicket-keeping responsibilities in the team. India’s 15-member World Cup squad includes two wicket-keeping options, KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.
“I believe that the key issue will be who is the primary wicketkeeper. If the selectors pick KL Rahul, he will bat at No. 5, while Shreyas will occupy the No. 4 position. Ishan Kishan and Surya will then regrettably not play in the last game,” he said.
Bangar went on to underline that if Ravichandran Ashwin replaces Washington Sundar in the lineup in Rajkot, it signifies a significant level of trust placed in Ashwin by team captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid. Ashwin’s performance in the second ODI, which led India to a resounding 99-run victory over Australia, further underscores his importance.
“I believe Ashwin would play at No. 8 if India intends to field the same lineup that will play in the last ODI in Chennai. If he plays ahead of Sundar, it indicates that the captain and coach have greater faith in him,” Bangar added.
In the previous ODI, skipper Steve Smith decided to put India into bat. India posted a formidable total of 400 runs, which Australia had to chase. Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer notched centuries during a remarkable 200-run partnership. KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav scored quick fifties, propelling India to a total of 399 for 5 in 50 overs.
In response, India’s bowlers restricted Australia to 217 runs in 28.2 overs, with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja each claiming three wickets. David Warner and Sean Abbott were the standout performers for Australia, both scoring half-centuries in a rain-affected match.
With two victories, India is gearing up to face Australia at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The question of the primary wicketkeeper and the role of Ashwin in the team’s strategy remain central to India’s preparations.