Ishan Kishan at Number Four Is Ideal for India Says Ambati Rayudu Ahead of England ODIs

Ishan Kishan at Number Four Is Ideal for India Says Ambati Rayudu Ahead of England ODIs

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Ishan Kishan should become India's permanent number four batter once Virat Kohli returns for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. According to Rayudu, Kishan's ability to dominate both pace and spin, combined with his left-handed presence, gives India an ideal balance in the middle order as the team begins preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India will begin the ODI series against England on July 14, and team selection remains one of the biggest talking points after several players impressed during the recent Afghanistan series.

Rayudu Sees Kishan as India's Ideal Number Four

Rayudu feels Kishan's batting style perfectly suits the number four position in ODI cricket. The wicketkeeper-batter made a strong return to the Indian ODI side with scores of 34 and a brilliant century against Afghanistan, proving his value in the middle order.

The former India batter explained that having a left-hander between India's right-handed stars creates better balance and gives opposition bowlers fewer opportunities to settle into consistent lines.

Rayudu also believes Shreyas Iyer and Kishan can form a dependable partnership at numbers four and five for many years.

Their combination, according to him, offers stability, aggression and flexibility, making India's batting lineup stronger for major ICC tournaments.

Virat Kohli Continues to Inspire Indian Cricket

Rayudu reserved special praise for Virat Kohli's professionalism and mental strength. Reflecting on Kohli's career, he highlighted how the batting superstar overcame setbacks through discipline, preparation and relentless hard work.

He recalled Kohli's remarkable comeback after enduring a difficult Test tour of England earlier in his career, describing him as one of the finest examples of resilience in modern cricket.

Rayudu added that Kohli's dedication to fitness and preparation has influenced an entire generation of Indian cricketers, who continue to follow the high standards he established.

Rohit Sharma Remains Vital for India's Future

Despite ongoing discussions surrounding India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rayudu remains convinced that Rohit Sharma still has a significant role to play.

He believes Rohit's experience extends far beyond his batting. His leadership, calm presence inside the dressing room and ability to perform in pressure situations remain invaluable for the Indian team.

Rayudu pointed out that big tournaments often bring the best out of Rohit, who has repeatedly delivered match-winning performances on the biggest stages.

He expects Rohit to rediscover top form during the England ODI series and continue leading by example as India builds towards the next World Cup.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Should Be India's Backup Opener

Rayudu also shared his views on young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who impressed with a century against Afghanistan before making way for Kohli's return.

Instead of viewing Jaiswal's exclusion negatively, Rayudu suggested India should groom him as the third opener in the ODI squad.

Having a quality backup opener, he explained, is essential in a long tournament like the World Cup where injuries and workload management often become important factors.

Rayudu believes Jaiswal deserves regular opportunities so he is fully prepared whenever the team requires him.

England Series Offers Fresh Opportunity

The upcoming ODI series against England presents another important step in India's preparations for future ICC events.

With Kohli returning, Kishan pushing for a permanent middle-order role, Rohit leading from the front and talented youngsters like Jaiswal waiting in the wings, India possesses impressive batting depth.

Rayudu believes maintaining clarity in player roles will be the key to building a settled ODI combination over the next year.

If India successfully balances experienced campaigners with emerging talent, the team will be well-positioned to challenge for major honours in the years ahead. The England series could provide the ideal platform for establishing that winning combination.