Talking to Star Sports, Shastri recommended Ishan Kishan as the wicketkeeper because he has been a part of the Indian ODI system for a sizable amount of time. In addition, the management might think about 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,” Shastri 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 for the last 15 months. Why go somewhere else?” he said.
Praising Tilak Varma, Shastri said that India might want to look at the youngster for a spot in India’s middle order for the upcoming mega events.
Tilak hasn’t played in an ODI yet, but his first T20I series was good, and Shastri and others praised him for his well-considered shot selection and impressive calm.
“Very Very impressed with Tilak Varma. And I want a left hander. If I am looking for a left-hander, I would really look in that direction,” Shastri said.
(With IANS inputs)
