'Take a bold call, send him to open vs Pakistan': India great's audacious advice to Rohit

The Indian cricket team selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar has given a chance to a lot of young players such as Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill while picking the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Kishan and Gill are expected to make it to the playing XI in the team's first match against Pakistan. However, the team's main task will be to select Rohit Sharma's opening partner. 

3 things you need to know 

• Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill have double hundreds in ODI cricket for Team India 
• Shubman Gill is the youngest player to score an ODI double-hundred 
• The Asia Cup 2023 is being co-hosted by Pakistan and Sri Lanka 

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Kris Srikkanth's brave suggestion to Rohit Sharma

(Ishan Kishan punches the air in delight after first ODI double hundred against Bangladesh / Image: AP) 

Former Indian cricket team opener and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has offered bold advice to Team India skipper Rohit Sharma and wants Ishan Kishan to open in the IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023. Indian batsman KL Rahul will not play the first two matches of the Asia Cup, which opens a position for a wicketkeeper batter in the team. Ishan Kishan will be the first choice of the Indian management to play in place of Rahul, however, Shubman Gill is more likely to open along with skipper Rohit Sharma. Ishan Kishan is expected to play in the middle order. Kris Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel: 

If Ishan Kishan has to be in the XI. He has to open the batting. 

Further speaking on the matter, Kris Srikkanth believes that the Pakistani team has a world-class pace attack and Ishan Kishan shall be given a chance to go out there and attack the Pakistan bowlers. Kris Srikkanth said: 

You are playing against Pakistan. They have some terrific fast bowlers. You have to take your chances. You have give Ishan the license to go out and take the attack to the Pakistan bowlers. That's why I am saying, take a bold call and send Ishan Kishan to open the batting. Ask him to attack. 

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Team India aims ninth Asia Cup title 

The Indian cricket team is the most successful team in the history of the Asia Cup and till now has been able to win eight titles. The Indian team is also the current champion of the ODI Asia Cup which was last held in 2018. The 'Men in Blue' will once again aim to win their ninth Asia Cup title ahead of the ODI World Cup.