'Don't look at a name': Gambhir shuts down Kaif over his take on Ishan vs KL Rahul debate

On Saturday, India took on Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2023 opener. The game was pacing up to gather all the ingredients of a thriller, but rain dampened all the possibilities of a potential celebration from Indian fans. The play could not resume at Pallekele after Team India summed up their innings at 266. 

3 things you need to know

• India vs Pakistan match took place at Pallekele
• India were bundled out for 266
• Pakistan are  through to the Super 4 round

Also Read | Kl Rahul Included In Provisional Squad For Upcoming ODI World Cup, Sanju Samson Misses Out

Ishan Kishan stepped up for the team

As India were reeling at 66/4, youngster Ishan Kishan stepped up for the team and added a valuable 138 along with Hardik Pandya. For his impressive innings of 82 off 81 balls, Kishan is receiving acclamation from fans and experts throughout the country, and as per many fanatics with this knock, he has sealed a spot in the World Cup squad. Subsequently, the parallels with KL Rahul have also begun to draw and on the subject daggers were drawn between Mohd. Kaif and Gautam Gambhir. 

Also Read | Asia Cup Points Table: How Can India Qualify For 'super-four' Stage After Washout Vs PAK?

Gambhir-Kaif at odds over Ishan vs KL Rahul debate

Following the match an unlikely face-to-face battle between Mohd. Kaif and Gautam Gambhir occurred during the post-match segment of Star Sports. Both former players had contradictory views on who should be given preference between KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan. While Kaif advocated for Rahul, Gambhir stated that performance edges over every other aspect.

As per Kaif, "Kl Rahul is a proven match-winner. At No. 5, his numbers are fabulous. So Rahul Dravid knows, there is that clarity in his mind that...remember, Mohammed Shami was dropped today. So, when KL Rahul is fit again, he will be playing in the XI and Ishan Kishan will have to wait for his next opportunity. Ishan is doing all that he needs. He scored in that series against West Indies...his graph is only going up and is getting better by the day. He has a double century to his name as well. He has class and talent but he cannot replace Rahul yet because the latter is not playing because of bad form, but due to an injury," he said.

To this statement, Gambhir retorted by saying that whatever contributes to the objective of the World Cup should be seen in the primary light.

"Had Kohli or Rohit made those four consecutive fifties, would you have said the same thing about KL Rahul? When you are preparing to win a World Cup, you don't look at a name, you look at the form of a player that could win you the trophy," Gambhir said.