India captain Suryakumar Yadav played down any speculation surrounding Ishan Kishan keeping wickets ahead of Sanju Samson in the fifth T20I against New Zealand, saying the wicketkeeping duties were always planned to be shared during the series.
While Samson featured as a specialist batter in the final match and managed just six runs, Kishan stole the spotlight with a superb century, strengthening his case as India’s wicketkeeper-batter ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
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Explaining the decision, Suryakumar said the rotation was decided even before the series began.
“Both the keepers were part of the playing XI from the first game because Tilak Varma was unavailable,” Suryakumar said at the post-match press conference.
“We had already decided that Sanju would keep wickets in three games and Ishan in two.”
“Ishan unfortunately missed the previous match due to a niggle, but he was always meant to keep wickets in this game,” he added.
The Mumbai batter also provided an update on Tilak Varma, who is recovering from testicular surgery, and said the youngster is progressing well.
“Tilak has been shaping up well. I’ve heard he will be playing two games in Mumbai on the 2nd and the 4th, which should be enough,” Suryakumar said.
“I spoke to him just yesterday. He has started batting, bowling, fielding everything so hopefully we’ll have him back soon.”
Suryakumar further revealed that all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is recovering from a rib injury, is also making steady progress in his rehabilitation.
“Washy is doing well too. We spoke to both Tilak and Washington yesterday. Tilak is much better now, and Washy has almost started bowling and batting. He’s looking good, so hopefully we’ll get him back soon,” he added.
