Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has urged selectors to include two left-handers in the playing XI for the ODI World Cup as they can provide an X-factor. In the absence of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan has been keeping the wickets for Team India and Shastri wants India to persist with the left-hander.
Furthermore, Tilak Varma impressed in the recent five-match T20I series against the West Indies, top-scoring with 173 runs for India. Moreover, Ravindra Jadeja picks himself in the final XI as he can deliver with both bat and ball and is a gun fielder.
“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 Yashasvi Jaiswal is hot, bring him in,” Shastri said on Star Sports while discussing India’s possible XI for the ODI World Cup 2023.
Meanwhile, Kishan scored a total of 184 runs in three ODI matches against the West Indies at an impressive average of 61.33 and a blistering strike rate of 111.52. Ergo, he was awarded the Player of the Series award for his consistent performances.
“So if you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last 6 to 8 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?” Shastri said.
Former Indian all-rounder is also impressed by Tilak Varma, who grabbed his chance against the Windies.
“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 concluded on the matter.
India lost the T20I series against the West Indies and they will look to bounce back stronger against Ireland. Moreover, the team will aim to get their combination right in the Asia Cup.
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