Former Indian batsman and now commentator VVS Laxman feels players like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan might not get their chances in the upcoming T20I series against England. Laxman stated that India already has a settled middle-order and he doesn’t see the team management altering it.
Laxman wants the Virat Kohli-led team to include the in-form Rishabh Pant in the T20I set-up. Pant hasn’t played in the limited-overs format for more than a year as KL Rahul had grabbed his opportunities with the gloves. However, as Pant is back in top form with the bat, he might play purely as a batsman and Laxman wants the left-hander to play the finisher role with Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have earned their place in the national team after consistent performances in the domestic circuit and the IPL. SKY, as he is known, had scored 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 40 in IPL 2020 and a whirlwind strike rate of 145.02.
Suryakumar Yadav had been in scintillating form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. The right-hander has amassed 332 runs in the five matches he has played, at an impressive average of 66.40 and an excellent strike rate of 151.59.
On the other hand, Ishan Kishan had batted at his absolute best in IPL 2020 as he had scored 516 runs in 13 innings at an impressive average of 57.33 and a blistering strike rate of 145.76.
“I don’t see them getting a chance because you have a settled middle order. I would love to see continuity as far as the No.4 position is concerned and Shreyas Iyer would be my choice as far as batting at No.4,” said Laxman while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected.
“I would love to see Rishabh Pant back in the mix, batting at No.5, and then you have got Hardik Pandya at No.6. So, I don’t see Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan or for that matter Tewatia getting a chance but whenever they get a chance I am sure all of them will perform and play to the best of their abilities,” added Laxman.
Laxman added that he is very pleased to note Suryakumar Yadav getting his well-deserved national call-up. Yadav has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit as well as the IPL in the last four to five years and he was finally rewarded for his hard work.
“I am very very pleased for Suryakumar Yadav. Yes, Ishan Kishan and Tewatia also deserve their place. They have done really well in domestic cricket as well in the IPL. But the way Suryakumar Yadav has performed over the last 4-5 years has been nothing less than sensational,” said Laxman.
The first T20I between India and England will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 12.
