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.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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.