The five-match T20I series between India and England will begin from 12th March.
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman feels that Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia are unlikely to make their debuts for India in the upcoming T20I series against England.
After completing a comfortable 3-1 Test series victory over England, Team India will now lock horns against the same opponents in a five-match T20I series. The five T20I matches will be played on March 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahemdabad.
The Indian squad for the T20I series saw the trio of Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia earning their maiden call-up for the nation.
However, with the likes of Hardik Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant in the squad it would be a tough call for the management to make when they choose their batting order.
While scrutinizing the Indian XI for the first T20I against England, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman said that Team India has a settled middle order and he wants Shreyas Iyer to bat at No.4.
IND v ENG 2021: Suryakumar great role model for youngsters, deserves spot in India's XI- VVS Laxman
“I don't see them getting a chance because you have a settled middle order. I would love to see continuity as far as the No.4 position is concerned and Shreyas Iyer would be my choice as far as batting at No.4,” VVS Laxman told Starsports.
Laxman further wants Rishabh Pant to play the finisher's role alongside Hardik Pandya and added that Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia are unlikely to make their debuts.
“I would love to see Rishabh Pant back in the mix, batting at No.5, and then you have got Hardik Pandya at No.6. So, I don't see Suryakumar Yadav or Ishan Kishan or for that matter Tewatia getting a chance but whenever they get a chance, I am sure all of them will perform and play to the best of their abilities,” said Laxman.
Here's VVS Laxman’s predicted Indian XI for the first T20I.
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, T Natarajan
(Star sports inputs)