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.

There are three other positions where I think two left-handers have to come in, apart from the top four you mentioned. Now this is where the selectors’ role comes in because they are watching. They know who’s the guy who’s hot. If Tilak Varma is hot, bring him in. If you think Jaiswal is hot, bring him in, the former cricketer said.

So, if you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last six to eight months and he’s going to keep wickets, he comes in, in any case. But get two left-handers. Including Jaddu, there should be three left-handers in the top seven. Ishan Kishan has been keeping it for the last 15 months. why go somewhere else, Shastri added.

Shastri praised Tilak Varma and suggested that the young batter be considered for a slot in India’s middle order for the upcoming mega events. Tilak has yet to play an ODI, but his maiden T20I series was successful. Shastri and others lauded him for his well-considered shot selection and amazing calm.