Former India wicketkeeper batter Saba Karim has heaped praise on Ishan Kishan after the youngster impressed in the recent ODI series against West Indies. Karim backed Kishan to be included in India’s ODI World Cup squad as a second-choice wicketkeeper batter behind KL Rahul.

Kishan has been in good form in recent months, scoring back-to-back fifties in the second Test against West Indies, as well as a fifty in the first ODI. He has also been impressive behind the stumps, taking four catches in the Test series.

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Saba Karim said that Kishan’s ability to bat at multiple positions is a valuable asset to the Indian team. “I did not expect him to open the innings, but good to see him being given the chance,” Karim said. “It adds to his value because you can get Kishan as a reserve keeper who can bat in the middle order as well as be a backup opener for you.”

Karim also said that Kishan’s confidence has grown in recent months. “As he has spent more time in the middle, his confidence as a batter and keeper has increased,” he said.

India will be looking to include Kishan in their World Cup squad, but they will need to decide whether to pick him as a specialist batsman or as a backup wicketkeeper. If they choose the latter, it would mean leaving out another opener, such as Mayank Agarwal or Shikhar Dhawan.

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However, Saba Karim believes that Kishan’s flexibility makes him a valuable asset to the team. “You can get Kishan as a reserve keeper who can bat in the middle order as well as be a backup opener for you,” he said. “So, you do not have to pick another backup opener in your team.”

With the World Cup just around the corner, Kishan will be hoping to continue his good form and cement his place in the Indian team.