Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has backed Ishan Kishan for the 2027 ODI World Cup. Kishan continued his purple patch in the second ODI against Afghanistan at Lucknow, smashing 125 runs off just 79 balls, which is his second ODI hundred. 

He added 224 runs off 140 balls for the third wicket partnership with skipper Shubman Gill to put India in command. Kishan scored 14 fours and seven sixes in his blistering knock and scored his runs at a strike rate of 158.23.

Thus, he played an instrumental role in helping India post 402 runs on the board. Kishan recently scored 602 runs in 15 matches of IPL 2026 at an average of 40.13 and a strike rate of 182.42 and played a key role in taking SRH to the playoffs.

“I think he’s got his visa already. Somebody else has to really play out of their skin to keep Ishan Kishan out of the team. He’s such a big contributor in the T20 format and he’s batting so well,” said Gavaskar as quoted by India Today.

Gavaskar highlighted the significant improvement in Kishan’s batting in the last 18 months to reap rewards at the top level.

“Look at that shot Graham [Swann] was talking about, the lofted extra-cover drive. He’s got a very good defence as well. Anything short, he’s quick to go on to the back foot and pull it away for sixes. He’s just a complete player now, and he’s become a complete player over the last year and a half. Earlier, you thought maybe around the off stump he was a little vulnerable. He didn’t quite have that lofted extra-cover drive. That’s what he’s got now, and it’s so hard to keep him quiet,” said Gavaskar.

Kishan has been able to grab his chance with both hands but it would be interesting to note if he retains his place once Virat Kohli returns to the ODI squad.

The third and final ODI between India and Afghanistan will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on Saturday.