After Virat Kohli's comeback, Ambati Rayudu backs Ishan Kishan to bat at No. 4

Ishan Kishan has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence over the past year. His rich vein of form began after leading Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title and continued with impressive performances in the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the IPL 2026, and the ODI series against Afghanistan, earning him another call-up to India's squad.The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter marked his return to ODI cricket in style, scoring 34 in the first ODI at Dharamshala before smashing a brilliant 125 in Lucknow. With Virat Kohli sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Kishan, ODI captain Shubman Gill, and T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer each occupied the No. 3 position during the series.Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes Kishan's long-term future lies at No. 4, especially after Kohli returns to the playing XI."When it comes to Ishan Kishan, it is great that he is part of the ODI setup. Being a left-hander, he'll add a lot of value. I see him eventually batting at No. 4. That is the ideal position for him. He plays spin exceptionally well and is equally comfortable against pace," Rayudu said while responding to a question from IANS during a virtual media interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.

"He and Shreyas Iyer can form a formidable No. 4 and No.

5 combination for India going forward," he added.

India's playing XI in the final ODI vs Afghanistan

With Virat Kohli unavailable due to injury, India fielded the following XI:Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav

India tour of England 2026

India will next travel to England for a white-ball series scheduled from July 1 to July 19, 2026. The tour comprises five T20 Internationals followed by three One-Day Internationals, where Kishan will look to cement his place in India's ODI middle order.