Former head coach Ravi Shastri thinks India should introduce more variety into their batting lineup for the upcoming World Cup and Asia Cup by including three left-handers in the top seven. In a conversation with Star Sports, he recommended sticking with Ishan Kishan behind the stumps and integrating either Yashasvi Jaiswal or Tilak Varma into the squad.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has suggested that the Indian team management must consider using three left-handers in their top seven batting positions to provide variety to their line-up for the next Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. In a recent interview with Star Sports, Shastri proposed Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper as he has been a part of the Indian ODI system for a long time. Furthermore, the management may consider including either Tilak Varma or Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Shastri pointed out that beyond the top four, there is room for two more left-handed players. He noted that this is where the selection committee must act, picking the player who is currently 'hot' and performing the best, regardless of whether it is Tilak Varma or Jaiswal.
He argued that since Ishan Kishan has been the go-to wicketkeeper for the past 15 months, there is no reason to switch. However, he stressed that when you count Jadeja, the top seven should feature three left-handed options to keep the opposition guessing.
Highlighting Tilak Varma's potential, Shastri suggested the youngster is a great fit for the middle order in the coming major tournaments. Although Varma hasn't debuted in ODIs yet, his T20I start was impressive, with many, including Shastri, praising his composure and smart shot selection.