When the BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2022, many fans wondered why Ishan Kishan was excluded from the squad. While the youngster displayed below-par performance in the last few matches, he was still in contention to make it to the Indian team for the continental tournament.

The 24-year-old has now come out speaking about his exclusion from the squad, saying it is a positive decision for him and he will focus on working harder to earn a call-up.

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“I feel that what selectors do is fair. They put a lot of thought while selecting players as to who should be given the opportunity and where,” the youngster told ANI.

“It is a positive for me because if I am not selected, I will work harder and score more runs. When selectors will have confidence in me, they will obviously keep me in the team,” Kishan added.

The Indian cricket team will have the services of all three of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the Asia Cup. Rohit and Rahul are expected to open the innings for the Men in Blue while wicketkeeping is likely to be handed to Rishabh Pant, with Dinesh Karthik as a backup option.

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The Indian middle order looked to be a point of concern against England in July and Ishan Kishan could have been an option there. However, it is full of other batters who can excel in the Asia Cup.

Kishan was a part of the Indian team in the T20 World Cup last year, where he made his way despite an underwhelming performance in the IPL. While the three ODI matches against Zimbabwe can act as his redemption, it remains unlikely.

The Asia Cup 2022 begins on August 27, however, India will begin their campaign on the following day when they face arch-rivals Pakistan.