Ambati Rayudu Wants Ishan Kishan At No. 4, Backs Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli, Sees Big Role For Yashasvi Jaiswal

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu suggested that Ishan Kishan could be a strong option for the number four spot in India’s ODI team once Virat Kohli returns for the upcoming three-match series against England which is scheduled to start from July 14.

Kishan recently made a strong return to ODI cricket, scoring 34 and then a brilliant 125 against Afghanistan in Dharamshala and Lucknow. With Kohli missing due to injury, Kishan, along with Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, has also batted at number three in recent games.

Rayudu believes Kishan’s ability against both pace and spin makes him ideal for a middle-order role.

"When it comes to Ishan Kishan, it is great that he is part of the ODI setup and being a left-hander, he'll add a lot of value. So I see him eventually bat at number four. That is an ideal number for him. Being a left-hander, he plays spin exceptionally well and also plays pace well.

“So 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 said while speaking in a virtual interaction arranged by Sony Sports Network.

As India build towards the 2027 ODI World Cup, there continues to be discussion around the future of senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

Rayudu also spoke about Kohli’s mindset and preparation, saying his discipline and focus have helped him stay at the top for years, even after tough phases in his career.

"A guy like him who is so meticulous with his processes, training, and methodology, he knows that there'll be ups and downs. But when you're so focused, when you're so meticulous, when your training is so proper, you know that those lows will not last for a long time.

"He had a lot of help from very good Indian team management that time. So for him, it has been the process, and he has set the bar in terms of fitness and mental strength. A lot of youngsters have really tried to emulate it and they have really benefited with what he has done, seeing what he has done and learning from it. So he's been a great example if you look at it in that way," he added.

On Rohit Sharma’s place in the ODI setup, Rayudu backed the experienced batter to remain important for India in the 2027 World Cup plans. He pointed to Rohit’s experience and ability to perform in big matches.

"I think clarity is very, very important, especially for him. I'm sure they would have given him the clarity. Maybe they're not just giving us the clarity about Rohit Sharma. So I just think his experience is invaluable. He needs to be there because he's a leader not only on the ground but also in the dressing room to keep the atmosphere really, really nice and that is very, very important when you go into a big tournament like the World Cup.

"I'm sure he's in the plans for the World Cup. I think that's the reason why he's been persisted with. His batting is always sublime. It's just that when you play for so many years, your hunger sometimes might not be as much as what it used to be. But definitely when a big tournament comes around, I'm sure he'll step up big time.

"Even in a big series like the one that is coming up against England, I'm sure he'll be hungry and he'll be raring to go. So we can see a big knock because technically, physically, he's definitely there and mentally, it is up to him to switch on. We all know Rohit Sharma switches on whenever there's a big game, whenever there's a big moment and whenever he wants to do it. So, I'm very, very hopeful that he'll have a great impact for the Indian team in the ODIs," he elaborated.

Rayudu also spoke about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s role in the ODI team, especially after he made way for Virat Kohli despite scoring a century against Afghanistan in Chennai. He believes Jaiswal should be groomed as a backup opener for the World Cup.

"For me, both Rohit and Jaiswal have a place in the Indian side. When it comes to Jaiswal, I think he deserves an opportunity. There's no two ways about it. He will get his due, but he should be prepared to really contribute well for the Indian team in the World Cup and he definitely should be a part of the team going forward.

“When it comes to being the third opener, it should be Jaiswal for sure and he should be given enough opportunity to be prepared before the World Cup, just in case we have an injury.”