"We need to give Ishan Kishan another chance": Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has stated that it would be a futile exercise to play Ruturaj Gaikwad in the dead rubber against West Indies on Sunday. He suggested it would be better if Ishan Kishan features in the third T20I against West Indies. He also stated that it will be better if Gaikwad gets an opportunity during the T20I series against Sri Lanka.

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Gaikwad was a part of the ODI squad in South Africa. Meanwhile, he was also chosen in both the white-ball squads for the ongoing home series against West Indies. However, he has failed to find a place in the playing XI.

Discussing the changes Team India could make for the third T20I after having clinched the series, Jaffer said that he would not tinker with the opening combination. Explaining his stance, he told ESPN Cricinfo.

"We need to give Ishan Kishan another game and play him in the third T20I," Wasim Jaffer

"We need to give Ishan Kishan another game and play him in the third T20I. Then we must think about giving Ruturaj (Gaikwad) a chance in the Sri Lanka series. He should be given a longer rope, maybe a series. No point giving Ruturaj one game. It makes sense to have continuity with players so they know that they are going to play the full series."

Wasim Jaffer told ESPN Cricinfo

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Asked if Kishan's failure in the first two T20Is is a cause for concern, the former cricketer did not think so. Jaffer opined-

"We need to be patient with Ishan Kishan. We all know that he is a quality player. He has got fifties on T20I and ODI debuts and has such a fine IPL record for Mumbai Indians. But he has just been bought for ₹15 crore, that plays on players' minds. And, it wasn't easy straightaway. The ball was swinging a little. Even Rohit (Sharma) scored at almost a run-a-ball for his 19. We need to leave him alone. Once he gets going, he'll be fine."

Wasim Jaffer said about Ishan's failiure in the first two games

The 23-year-old Jharkhand wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan was dismissed for 35 off 42 in the 1st T20I and 2 off 10 in the 2nd T20I. However, India has already sealed the series by a margin of 2-0 with one match left to play.