Skipper Rohit Sharma reveals new batting position for Ishan Kishan ahead of first ODI against New Zealand

Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan: (Image Source: Twitter)

After registering a series 3-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka, team India are all set to play three ODIs and as many T20 internationals against New Zealand, starting on 18th January 2023.

The first ODI between the two sides will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Both Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma performed admirably in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. This also means that Ishan Kishan is unlikely to open the innings in the upcoming series.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, has said that Ishan Kishan will get the chance to play in the series but not at the top of the order.

“Ishan will be batting middle-order, I'm glad that he can get a run here after a fine knock against Bangladesh,” the captain said on Tuesday.

Ishan Kishan replaced Rohit Sharma in the last ODI of the three-match series against Bangladesh. He wreaked havoc with the bat and notched the fastest ever doube-century in the limited over’s format.

However, despite that, Shubman Gill was preferred over Ishan Kishan in all three matches in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. Kishan will be batting in the middle order in the upcoming series and it will be interesting to see how he fares with the bat.

Facing New Zealand will be a tough ask for the Men in Blue. Shedding light on the same, the Indian skipper said,

“Going into the series it's pretty simple for us, we just want to keep improving as a team. Great opposition, great challenge, we can challenge ourselves to come out and achieve what we want to as a team. New Zealand is a very good team, they're coming off a great series victory against Pakistan, so obviously they are playing some good cricket.”

The three ODIs are scheduled to be played on 18th, 21st, and 24th January 2023. The two teams will then lock horns in three T20 internationals. The first two matches will be played on the 27th and 29th of January, while the third and final match of the series will be played on 1st of February 2023.