Cricket fans all across the globe are counting down the days till the ICC One-Day International World Cup 2023. The middle order is a puzzle that has received less attention than the top-order batsmen and bowling alternatives. Focusing on the impressive showings of Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, this article explores the difficult decisions that must be made when deciding the middle-order batting positions.
Ishan Kishan‘s explosive batting skills in the Asia Cup 2023 were on full display. His spectacular performance of 82 against Pakistan in particular stunned the cricketing world. As a result of this game, there is now a heated discussion over whether or not Ishan Kishan should be included in the starting lineup for the World Cup. He is an intriguing candidate because of his aggressive approach and ability to speed up the innings.
KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were the frontrunners for the middle-order spots before Kishan’s spectacular surge. Both players have earned their spots on the national team by consistently displaying high levels of class and reliability. Rahul’s case for selection is bolstered by his good numbers at the No. 5 spot in the batting order.
With Kishan’s breakthrough, India’s cricket has seen the birth of a trinity of skill. It will be difficult for the team’s selection committee to choose only one of these three talented players. Some fans on Twitter and Facebook have suggested batting Ishan Kishan and KL Rahul together in the middle order, while others have suggested batting Rahul and Shreyas Iyer there instead.
The final say rests with Rahul Dravid and the rest of the team’s management. Ex-Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif thinks Rahul Dravid’s first priority is to give Rahul and Iyer plenty of playing time since they’re the “backbone” of the middle order. Dravid will most likely try out new lineups before the World Cup.
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Since Rahul and Iyer have both just returned from injury absences, it is crucial to control their workloads in addition to giving them playing time. By comparing his own predicament to that of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Kaif stresses the need to exercise prudence. It is vital for the success and durability of the event that these major players not be overwhelmed with matches prior to the start of the tournament.
“Rahul Dravid will know that both (Rahul and Iyer) are the backbone of the Indian middle order and that they will need game time. Ishan played really well, and that’s good because there’s healthy competition in the team,” he said on Star Sports.
“However, if an in-form player sits out, then it’s not a problem because Dravid will want to see Rahul bat at No.5. He has good numbers at No. 5, and you will want him and Iyer to get game time and have that form when they play the first World Cup game against Australia,” he further added.
“India have seen what happened with Jasprit Bumrah where he was cleared to play by the NCA but then got injured again. So they will need to be careful with Iyer and Rahul and check on how much they need to play and when they need to take breaks. You don’t want to give them too much load before the match begins. That’s why Rahul Dravid and the trainers are present there”, he stated.
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Finally, the fact that India has so many talented batsmen in the middle order to choose from for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 speaks volumes about the depth of the country’s cricketing scene. The emergence of Ishan Kishan brings a fresh perspective to the discussion, but veteran players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are still in the running. In order to have a strong and competitive middle order for India’s World Cup campaign, Rahul Dravid and the team management have the difficult chore of balancing game time and workload management.
