There has been continuous discussion about the opening pair of Team India in T20 International cricket. Especially when there is a competition between young wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan and explosive left-hander Abhishek Sharma, then the comparison of statistics becomes even more interesting. Both the players have the ability to change the course of the match in their own style, but let us understand in simple language what the T20I records say.
How was Ishan Kishan’s performance?
Ishan Kishan has played 42 T20 International matches so far and has scored 1225 runs while batting in the same number of matches. During this period, his batting average has been 29.87 and he has scored runs at a strike rate of 144.45. Ishaan has 1 century and 9 half-centuries in his name in this format. His highest score has been 103 runs. Apart from this, he has also hit 124 fours and 64 sixes, which is proof of his aggressive batting.
How did Abhishek Sharma win?
On the other hand, Abhishek Sharma has scored 1367 runs while batting in 42 innings in 43 matches. His batting average is 34.17, which is better than Ishaan. The most important thing is his strike rate, which is 190.92. That means Abhishek seems ahead of Ishaan in scoring runs fast. He has 2 centuries and 9 half-centuries in his name and his highest score is 135 runs. Talking about fours, Abhishek has hit 129 fours, while in terms of sixes also he is ahead with 93 sixes.
Who is better in fielding and team balance?
Abhishek appears to be a little ahead in fielding also. He has taken 20 catches, while Ishan Kishan has 17 catches in his name. However, Ishan also plays the role of wicketkeeper, which can give him an extra edge in the team combination.
Overall, while Ishan Kishan is a batsman who scores runs with consistency, Abhishek Sharma has the ability to end the match quickly on the basis of his fast strike rate and big shots. It will not be easy for the team management to choose one of the two, because both the players have emerged as strong options for Team India at present. It will be interesting to see who gets a place in the playing 11 in the coming matches.
