'He will add a lot more value' – Ambati Rayudu backs Ishan Kishan at No.4 for India's third ODI vs New Zealand

India's middle-order composition has become a focal point of debate ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 10. The discussion intensified following the team's rain-affected chase in the second match at Wellington, where India struggled to build momentum while pursuing 135 runs on a challenging pitch.

Ambati Rayudu has entered the conversation with a specific proposal to strengthen the batting unit through a left-right combination in the middle order. His suggestion centres on bringing a left-hander into the mix alongside a batter with proven ability against both spin and pace bowling.

"There should be a left-hander in the mix, and I want Ishan Kishan to come at No.4, and Shreyas Iyer comes in at No.5 and KL at No.6, and then Axar at No.7. That is only because it brings a left-hander there and someone who is really good against spin and pace. So, I just think that he will add a lot more value even going into the World Cup," Rayudu said on Cricbuzz.

Why does Rayudu want a left-hander at No.4?

The proposed batting arrangement would place Kishan at No.4, followed by Shreyas Iyer at No.5, KL Rahul at No.6 and Axar Patel at No.7. This restructuring aims to provide tactical flexibility when facing tough bowling conditions and allow the batting unit to adopt counter-attacking strategies when required.

Rayudu explained that the reshuffle would enhance India's approach during challenging phases of play. He emphasised how the left-hander in the middle order would complement the existing batting structure and create opportunities for calculated risk-taking against quality bowling.

"I just think that it adds far more balance when the conditions are tough, and it also gives you freedom as a batting unit to sometimes have a counter-attack strategy when the bowlers are bowling really well, somebody can take them on as well. So I think it might be an option going forward," Rayudu said.

Beyond Kishan, Rayudu identified Tilak Varma as an alternative left-hander option for the No.4 position in future matches. Varma's ability to bowl off-spin would provide additional balance to the batting lineup while maintaining the left-right combination that Rayudu considers essential for India's middle order.

"Don't forget, there is the option of Tilak Varma as well, who bowls a bit of off-spin, I'm saying for the future, that there is always the option of a left-hander coming in at No.4, and that will add a lot more value, and I just think that a left-hander being in the mix is very important," Rayudu said.