I don't see Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan and Rahul Tewatia getting a chance in the T20I series: VVS Laxman

Former India batsman VVS Laxman has opined that Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rahul Tewatia are unlikely to get a chance in the playing eleven during the forthcoming T20I series against England. The five-match T20I series is scheduled to start on March 12 in Ahmedabad. The entire series will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Suryakumar, Kishan, and Tewatia are parts of India’s 19-member T20 squad. The trio has earned maiden India call-up after impressing in the domestic circuit and in the IPL. Suryakumar, Kishan, and Tewatia were three of the top performers in IPL 2020 where they impressed with their power-hitting in the middle-order.

And while India are expected to experiment with the playing eleven in order to zero in on the strongest team combination ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup at home, Laxman is of the opinion that the uncapped players might warm the bench throughout the series.

‘I would love to see continuity’ – VVS Laxman

Speaking on Star Sports, VVS Laxman explained that the likes of Suryakumar, Kishan and Tewatia are unlikely to play a single match because Team India have a settled batting line-up. He also urged for continuity in the playing eleven and expressed his desire to see the team-management remaining stuck with Shreyas Iyer at No.4.

“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,” said VVS Laxman.

For the remaining middle-order position, Laxman said he would like the likes of Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant to play the finishers’ role. While Pant has not played a T20I since January 2020, Laxman expressed his desire of seeing the in-form batsman in the team. At the same time, Laxman opined that the trio would do well whenever they get a chance.

“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 VVS Laxman.