The first ODI between India and West Indies is just hours away with fans and cricket pundits examining as to who will make their way to the playing XI. Since Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are not there with the Indian side, the wicketkeeper's spot is open to both Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. Earlier, in the Test series against West Indies, Ishan Kishan was preferred over KS Bharat. Now when it comes to ODI team selection, veteran cricketer Dinesh Karthik believes Kishan will dominate Samson to retain the wicket-keeper's spot.
As far as the experience is concerned, Samson and Ishan have played 11 and 14 matches respectively for India. Samson has a more experience overall than Ishan yet Karthik feels that Kishan will get the nod in the playing XI.
"There is a chance that between Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson could be the choice for the second wicket-keeper. Ishan Kishan is slightly ahead because India lack left-handers. So, there is a great chance that he could be up there. He would also be the reserve backup opener," Karthik said in a chat on Cricbuzz.
"Ishan is a very talented guy. We've seen it in the short career that he's had for India. He recently made 200 runs in limited-overs (ODI against Bangladesh last December). He has the game and the talent and we have to harness that talent," Rohit had said over Ishan's selection in Test Team.
"So we need to give (him) opportunities. He's a left-handed batter and likes to play a lot of aggressive cricket."
Ishan had a good Test series vs West Indies both with keeping and batting and seeing that, it can give a big boost to his chances of getting selected in the playing XI for the first ODI. The first ODI between India and West Indies will be played on July 27 at the Kensington Oval, Barbados. India will look to continue their winning run after sealing victory in the recently passed Test series against the Windies.