Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu asserted that Indian team management should find a way to include Ishan Kishan in their playing XI in the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, November 10.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Rayudu believes that Kishan would bring in a left-handed element in the Indian batting order. It’s important to note that Kishan has been named Shreyas Iyer’s deputy for the last two ODIs against New Zealand.
“There should be a left-hander in the mix, and I want Ishan Kishan to come at No.4, and Shreyas Iyer comes in at No.5 and KL at No.6, and then Axar at No.7. That is only because it brings a left-hander there and someone who is really good against spin and pace. So, I just think that he will add a lot more value even going into the World Cup,” Rayudu said on Cricbuzz.
“I just think that it adds far more balance when the conditions are tough, and it also gives you freedom as a batting unit to sometimes have a counter-attack strategy when the bowlers are bowling really well, somebody can take them on as well. So I think it might be an option going forward,” he added.
Rayudu further pointed out that India have Tilak Varma as a potential middle-order option going forward. He believes Tilak could add a left-handed dimension to the batting line-up while also providing an additional bowling option if required.
“Don’t forget, there is the option of Tilak Varma as well, who bowls a bit of off-spin, I’m saying for the future, that there is always the option of a left-hander coming in at No.4, and that will add a lot more value, and I just think that a left-hander being in the mix is very important,” Ambati Rayudu concluded.
