Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer, has provided insight into how a fit Virat Kohli can resolve India’s selection dilemma during the ODI series against New Zealand. In the three-match series against the Black Caps, India will be without Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul.
Ishan Kishan has been brought in to replace Suryakumar Yadav in the Indian middle order for the first One Day International (ODI) against the Tom Latham-led team.
This is due to the fact that opener Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out with an injury. Former vice-captain KL Rahul is unavailable for the New Zealand series for personal reasons.
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer, is of the opinion that Virat Kohli ought to make a sacrifice in order to resolve India’s selection dilemma because the hosts are all but certain to include Suryakumar and Kishan in the Indian playing XI.
Although the Indian team has selected the young Rajat Patidar to replace the injured player, it is unlikely that he will play.
In the absence of star batters Rahul and Iyer, Suryakumar and Kishan have established themselves as certain stars for India.
In an interview ahead of the first one-day international against New Zealand. Former Indian cricketer Manjrekar suggested that in-form batsman Kohli should bat at No. 4 in the upcoming series.
“It will continue to be difficult. One man will be extremely upset. I have an idea to get this mess under control. Shubman Gill should bat at No. 3, he seems capable of playing that position. Virat Kohli gives up his No. 3 for a “no” 4.
He once did that to Ambati Rayudu against Sri Lanka, many years ago. Therefore, that may provide a solution.
In the 2014 series against Sri Lanka, while batting at No. 3, Rayudu had scored a century. In ODIs, Kohli gave Rayudu his No. 3 spot six times.
However, with the ODI World Cup approaching, it seems a little tricky. Especially considering Kohli’s recent form at his preferred position.
Indian skipper Rohit confirmed that opener Kishan will be placed in the middle order for the series opener in Hyderabad on Tuesday, prior to the first ODI between India and New Zealand. In the recently concluded three-match One-Day International series against Sri Lanka.
Opener Kishan was forced to warm the bench despite scoring a sensational double-century. On Wednesday, Team India, led by Rohit, will play New Zealand in the first one-day international of the three-match series at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.