Shreyas Iyer's century against Australia has put Ishan Kishan’s batting spot in bother: Virender Sehwag

Former Indian cricket sensation Virender Sehwag has made some intriguing comments regarding India's batting lineup in the lead-up to the highly-anticipated ODI World Cup. Sehwag, known for his explosive batting style, has shared his insights on the selection of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav in India's first-choice playing XI.

According to the former India opener, despite Kishan's sensational form, he may not find a spot in the starting lineup, with KL Rahul being the favored choice. The Nawab of Najafgarh cited Shreyas Iyer's remarkable century against Australia in the recent ODI series as a significant factor that elevates him above Kishan. 

“At No. 6 and 7 KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya will be there. So Suryakumar won't be there at either of those positions. There is No. 5 though. But if Hardik Pandya is your sixth bowler then Rahul will bat at No. 5, and Hardik at No. 6, then comes the bowlers. We thought Ishan Kishan could fit in somewhere in the line-up, but that hundred which Shreyas Iyer scored, if he plays at No. 4 then it will be Iyer, Rahul and Hardik at No. 4, 5 and 6 respectively," he told Cricbuzz.

‘Ishan Kishan should be picked ahead because he is a left-hander: Virender Sehwag 

KL Rahul, who recently captained India in two matches during the bilateral series against Australia, has made a remarkable comeback after a prolonged injury layoff. Sehwag praised Rahul's performance during the series and suggested that he might be the preferred choice over Ishan Kishan.

The 44-year-old's insights also extended to the selection of benched players, where he suggested that Kishan would be prioritized over Suryakumar, depending on India's strategy.

“Now it depends on how India looks at this combination, whether they feel Hardik will certainly bowl 10 overs because that will give India an extra bowler. So, then Suryakumar cannot fit in there and even if there is a slot, then Ishan should be picked ahead because he is a left-hander,” Sehwag concluded.