Bhubaneswar, June 29 (newsalert24x7): With Team India gearing up for a high-stakes tour of England next month, former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has backed dynamic left-hander Ishan Kishan to permanently anchor the crucial number four spot in the ODI setup once stalwart Virat Kohli re-enters the playing eleven.

Citing Kishan’s unique left-handed advantage and his technical prowess against both express pace and spin, Rayudu believes a middle-order combination featuring Kishan and Shreyas Iyer could secure India's future for years to come.

A Formidable Middle-Order Plan for Team India

Kishan recently made a roaring statement in the ODI format, blasting scores of 34 and a magnificent 125 against Afghanistan in Dharamshala and Lucknow earlier this month. He seamlessly stepped up to bat at number three while Virat Kohli was sidelined with a hamstring injury.

However, looking ahead to the three-match ODI series starting July 14, 2026, Rayudu envisions a strategic shift:

  • The Blueprint: Once Kohli reassumes his legendary number three position, Kishan should slide down to anchor the number four slot.
  • The Tactical Advantage: Being a naturally aggressive left-hander, Kishan can effectively disrupt the rhythm of opposing spinners in the middle overs.
  • The Perfect Partnership:
"He and Shreyas Iyer can have that role of number four and five batters. That will be a very, very formidable number four and five for India going forward," Rayudu told IANS in an interaction organized by Sony Sports Network.

'Rohit & Kohli are Essential for 2027 World Cup Blueprint'

Addressing the non-stop debate surrounding veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's inclusion in the upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup plans, Rayudu—who was controversially left out of India's 2019 World Cup squad—strongly threw his weight behind both legends.

  • On Virat Kohli: Rayudu recalled Kohli's elite mental fortitude, pointing out how his meticulous training methods helped him break out of his career-worst slump after the grueling 2014 England tour. "He has set the bar in terms of fitness and mental strength. Youngsters who emulated it have massively benefited," Rayudu added.
  • On Rohit Sharma: Despite two lean outings against Afghanistan before finding form with a steady 79 in Chennai, Rayudu emphasized that the former skipper’s dressing-room presence is invaluable. "His experience is invaluable. He is a leader not only on the ground but also in the dressing room to keep the atmosphere nice. I'm sure he'll step up big time against England."

Yashasvi Jaiswal as the Dedicated Backup Opener

When questioned about the sudden exclusion of young prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal—who was benched for Kohli's return despite smashing a spectacular century against Afghanistan in Chennai—Rayudu offered a clear developmental path.

Rather than forcing him out, Rayudu urged the team management to officially groom Jaiswal as India's premier third opener for the next World Cup cycle, ensuring he gets sufficient game-time to handle sudden injury crises.

Catch the Action Live

The highly anticipated multi-format bilateral series begins this week.

  • Event: India Tour of England 2026 — 1st T20I
  • Date & Time: July 1, 2026, at 10:00 PM IST
  • Broadcast Partners: Live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD/HD, Sony Sports Ten 5 SD/HD, and Sony MAX.

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