The Men in Blue defeated the Lankan Lions in Colombo, with Siraj taking 6/21 in seven overs. The Lankan Lions were bundled out for a paltry 50. Following this, Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan formed an unbroken 51-run opening partnership, leading India to an emphatic victory and their eighth Asia Cup title.

Ishan Kishan has secured his spot at No. 5, says Sunil Gavaskar

In a recent interview with India Today following the Asia Cup 2023 final, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed his thoughts on the team's middle-order lineup. According to Gavaskar, Ishan Kishan's performance has secured his spot in the middle-order while also providing a left-handed option. Gavaskar also mentioned that India currently lacks a left-hander in the top 4, with Hardik Pandya being the only option.

"Definitely (sealed his spot in middle-order), also gives you a left-handed option in the middle. India doesn't have a left-hander at the top 4 and then Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan at No. 5 makes a lot of sense," Sunil Gavaskar said.

Sunil Gavaskar also highlighted the flexibility of being an opening batter, as they can easily slot themselves down in the middle order. Ishan has shown great composure and the ability to read the situation, as seen in his 80-odd runs against Pakistan. Gavaskar commended Ishan for not solely relying on playing his shots but instead applying his mind and playing accordingly.

"This is the beauty of being an opening batter. An opening bat can also slot himself down in the middle-order. Ishan Kishan has shown, particularly with the way he kept his composure, the way he handled against Pakistan and got those 80-odd runs, that he is not somebody who likes to go out and play his shots but he is somebody who applies his mind, reads the situation and plays accordingly," Gavaskar added.

The match between Team India and Pakistan in Pallekele was intense and nerve-wracking. Ishan Kishan's impressive score of 82 was a saving grace for the team, especially since they were in deep trouble. Sunil Gavaskar praised him for his excellent partnership with Hardik Pandya and his remarkable composure despite his young age. It was a noteworthy performance from Ishan and a great contribution to the team's success.

With Shreyas Iyer still recovering from a back spasm, there's a chance that Ishan might get the opportunity to start ahead of him in the three-match ODI series against Australia. The India vs. Australia ODI series kickstarts on September 22. The first match will take place in Mohali, followed by the second in Indore, and the third will be held in Rajkot.

"He showed admirable patience against the Pakistanis at the start. He made sure the danger was seen away. He hung around with Hardik Pandya and then started to play his shots. That is really a very, very encouraging sign because for somebody as young as him, to show the temperament he showed in that particular game means that he has a bright future ahead of him," Gavaskar concluded.

The ICC ODI World Cup 2023 is scheduled to start on October 5 in India, with England, the defending champions, playing New Zealand in a repeat of the 2019 World Cup final. Hosts India's first game will be on October 8 against five-time winners Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.