Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has made a prediction about India’s middle-order formation for the upcoming World Cup 2023. In his opinion, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya are the most likely choices to form the middle order at the prestigious event leaving out the likes of inform Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
KL Rahul showcased his skills by scoring a hundred against Pakistan in the 2023 Asia Cup, which was followed by a composed knock in the three-match ODI series against Australia. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer strengthened his claim for a spot in India’s playing XI for the ODI World Cup with an impressive century in the second ODI.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Virender Sehwag believes that Iyer’s remarkable century in the Indore ODI match against Australia has made him the favourite to play at the number four position. He also stated that if India goes with five bowlers and keeps Pandya as the sixth bowling option, then there won’t be any place for Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav.
“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,” Virender Sehwag said.
The No.4 and No.5 spots would be crucial for the Men in Blue going into the ODI World Cup in India, as they would be required to contribute to the team in the middle overs of the game by batting against quality spinners in the tournament.
Even If There Is A Spot, Then Ishan Kishan Should Be Picked – Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag said that a window for one extra batter would open up if Rahul and Pandya bat at number six and seven respectively. The 44-year-old further added that if there is a choice to be made between the two, Ishan Kishan will be preferred over Suryakumar Yadav.
“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,” Virender Sehwag added.
The 50-over World Cup is scheduled to be played in India later this year and the hosts would begin the competition as favourites. Rohit Sharma-led side will begin their campaign against heavyweights Australia on October 8th in Chennai.