CHENNAI: Ishan Kishan added another chapter to his incredible comeback story. After putting up a phenomenal show in the T20 World Cup earlier this year after forcing his way back into India’s plans, the Jharkhand wicket-keeper batsman is now impossible to ignore in the ODI format as well.Ishan, who played an ODI after almost three years, made his debut with 34 runs at No.3 in the opening series against Afghanistan. In the second ODI, at No.4, he went a step further, producing a superb 125 off 79 balls to make a convincing case in a series where India are experimenting with batting roles.With the hosts heading into the third and final ODI at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Saturday after already wrapping up the series 2-0, the dead rubber serves as the perfect canvas for Ishan, who replaced the injured Virat Kohlito cement his shares.During his knock in the previous game, the 27-year-old showed glimpses of his evolution as a 50-over batsman.But his revival poses a ‘big problem’ for the team management, which is yet to name the squad for the ODIs in England. With Kohli expected to return to his usual No.3 slot and KL Rahul remaining India’s preferred wicketkeeper-batsman in the first-choice XI, opportunities appear limited on paper. But according to India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, Ishan ticks many boxes. “I think with Ishan the only concern was ‘can he transform from a T20 specialist to a 50-plus player and potentially even a redball player?’ I think he showed that. He is very aggressive by nature and we still think there is room for that in this team. You have solid batsmen around him if you include Virat and Shubman (Gill). And we feel that the template for this format is to have guys who continue to follow it,” the coach said.Serious, but probably won’t playMeanwhile, ten Doeschate also revealed that Nitish Kumar Reddy might return after missing the previous ODI, while Arshdeep is set to rest. Fast bowler Harshit Rana, who was added to the Indian squad for the third ODI, is unlikely to feature.
