Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has highlighted the wicket-keeping situation as a point of contention for the Indian cricket team. With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup on the horizon, India faces the decision of choosing between KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan as the primary wicket-keeper in the squad.

Sanjay Bangar discussed the potential impact of this choice on the team’s batting order, stating, “I think who is the main wicketkeeper will be a big point. If it is KL Rahul, then he will bat at No. 5, and Shreyas will take the No. 4 spot. Then, unfortunately, Ishan Kishan and Surya will miss out in the last game.”

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The former coach also speculated on the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin in the playing XI, suggesting that Ashwin’s presence could indicate the trust placed in him by captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid. Ashwin’s performance in the second ODI against Australia, where he claimed three wickets, further bolstered his case for inclusion.

“If India plans to field the same team in the last ODI that will play in Chennai, then I think Ashwin will play at No. 8. If he is playing ahead of Sundar, who played in the Asia Cup, it means the coach and the captain trust him more,” explained Sanjay Bangar.

In the previous ODI, India posted an imposing target of 400 runs against Australia, with impressive centuries from Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav also contributed rapid fifties, propelling India to 399 for 5 after 50 overs. India’s bowlers then dismissed Australia for 217 runs, securing a 99-run victory via the DLS method.

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With India leading the series 2-0, the third and final ODI between India and Australia is set to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. The contest promises to be a crucial opportunity for players to showcase their skills and stake their claim for a spot in India’s World Cup squad.