Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 29: Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan should be entrusted with the No. 4 position in India's ODI batting order once Virat Kohli returns from injury, saying the left-hander's ability to counter both pace and spin makes him an ideal fit for the middle order.
Kishan marked his return to the ODI setup with impressive scores of 34 and 125 in the recently concluded series against Afghanistan. In Kohli's absence due to a hamstring injury, Kishan, ODI captain Shubman Gill and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer all took turns batting at No. 3.
Speaking during a virtual media interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, Rayudu said Kishan's left-handed presence would bring greater balance to India's batting line-up.
"I see Ishan Kishan settling at No. 4 in the long run. He is a left-hander who plays both pace and spin exceptionally well, and that makes him extremely valuable in the middle order. Along with Shreyas Iyer at No. 5, India can build a very strong and dependable middle-order combination for the future," Rayudu said.
With discussions intensifying over India's preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Rayudu also backed Virat Kohli to remain a major force in the team's plans. He praised the former India captain's discipline, preparation and mental toughness, recalling how Kohli bounced back strongly after enduring a difficult Test tour of England in 2014.
According to Rayudu, Kohli's commitment to fitness and meticulous preparation has helped him overcome setbacks throughout his career and has inspired an entire generation of young cricketers.
"He has always trusted his process. His training methods, fitness standards and mental strength have set benchmarks for others. Many youngsters have benefited simply by observing his work ethic and trying to follow the same path," he said.
Rayudu also threw his support behind Rohit Sharma, expressing confidence that the veteran opener remains an integral part of India's roadmap for the next ODI World Cup.
After modest scores in the opening matches against Afghanistan, Rohit regained form with a fluent 79 in the third ODI, and Rayudu believes the experienced batter still has plenty to offer, particularly in major tournaments.
"Rohit's experience cannot be replaced. He is not just an outstanding player but also a leader who keeps the dressing-room atmosphere positive. Those qualities become extremely important during global tournaments like the World Cup," Rayudu said.
He added that while long careers naturally bring fluctuations in motivation, Rohit has consistently shown the ability to raise his game when it matters most.
"Whenever there is a big match or an important series, Rohit finds another level. Technically and physically, he is still in excellent shape. If he switches on mentally, he can once again play match-winning knocks for India," Rayudu observed.
The former middle-order batter also spoke about young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a century against Afghanistan before making way for Kohli's return.
Rayudu said Jaiswal deserves a long-term role in India's ODI setup and should be groomed as the team's reserve opener ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
"Both Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal have a place in this Indian side. Jaiswal has earned his opportunities through performances and should continue to get exposure. He should be India's third opener going into the World Cup so that the team has a quality backup if injuries arise," he said.
India will begin their white-ball tour of England with the opening T20 International on July 1 before shifting focus to the three-match ODI series, which starts on July 14.