• Source:JND

T20 World Cup 2026: Ex-India cricketer Akash Chopra has revealed that Ishan Kishan might have booked his spot as an opener in the Indian team for the mega event. He made this statement after Kishan scored a brilliant knock against South Africa during their warm-up match as he smashed a quick half-century.

Chopra also said that Kishan's brilliant performance might have turned things in his favour and that Sanju Samson might have lost his spot.

During their second warm-up match in Navi Mumbai, skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that they will play Kishan as the opener along with Abhishek Sharma. Kishan repaid the faith by scoring a brilliant knock of 53 runs off 20 balls, and that also includes seven sixes. He then retired in the sixth over and helped Tilak spend some time at the crease.

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“Absolutely. I mean, sealed the deal, completely—no questions asked,” Chopra told the broadcasters.

Samson, who was in sublime form as an opener in this format, had a forgetful outing in the series against New Zealand, as he had scored just 46 runs after playing in five matches at a staggering average of 9.20. On the other hand, Kishan took advantage of the opportunity to play as an opener and posted a brilliant run in the T20I series against the Black Caps, where he scored 215 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 231.18, and that also includes a 42-ball ton.

WILL SAMSON GET A CHANCE?

Chopra also revealed that since Samson is the only one to be dropped from the playing XI, he might also be called to bat anywhere when the need arises.

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“Someone could get injured, someone could wake up with a fever in the morning, or there could be a loss of form—then you’d want to push him in, and that can happen. It’s also possible that he doesn’t even get to bat at his natural position, because he’s the only batter who might have to bat anywhere. So today was an opportunity—if he had scored runs as well, it would’ve been perfect,” he said.

Sanju didn't play the warm-up match, which the host won by 30 runs. There is a high chance that Kishan might play as an opener during their tournament opener against the USA in Mumbai.


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