• Source:JND
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has put forth a suggestion for the Indian cricket team's batting lineup in the forthcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Shastri proposes the inclusion of three left-handed batsmen within the top seven positions to introduce diversity and unpredictability to the team's lineup.

In an interview with Star Sports, Shastri highlighted the option of having Ishan Kishan take up the wicketkeeper's role. Kishan, who has gained experience within the Indian ODI setup, could offer valuable contributions to the team.

Shastri also stated that adding KL Rahul in India's squad for Asia Cup right after recovering from injury will be a bit too much for him considering the magnitude of the tournament. 

"See when you're talking of a player (KL Rahul) who's not played and is recovering from injury. To think of him in the XI of the Asia Cup, you're asking a little too much of the player himself. And then you're talking keeping. When a guy comes from an injury, the range of movement and things of that sort, so that's a no no," the former India head coach said on Star Sports.

Furthermore, Shastri recommended the inclusion of promising young players to enhance the batting order. He suggested either Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal, both emerging talents, as potential additions to the squad.

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"There are three other positions where I think two left-handers have to come in, apart from the top four you mentioned. Now this is where the selectors' role comes in because they are watching. They know who's the guy who's hot. If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in. If you think Jaiswal is hot bring him in," Shastri said.

"So if you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last six to eight months and he's going to keep wickets, he comes in, in any case. But get two left handers. Including Jaddu, there should be three left-handers in the top seven. Ishan Kishan has been keeping for the last 15 months. Why go somewhere else?" he said.

Shastri also heaped on Tilak Varma and feels that India might want to look at the youngster for a spot in India's middle order for the upcoming mega events.

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Although Tilak has yet to participate in ODI cricket, his debut T20I series was remarkable, and he garnered praise from both Shastri and others for his composed shot selection and impressive composure.

"Very Very impressed with Tilak Varma. And I want a left hander. If I am looking for a left-hander, I would really look in that direction," Shastri said.