'They are the backbone of middle-order': Mohammad Kaif ends Iyer-Rahul-Kishan debate

With the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 fast approaching, there is a need to zero in on a certain combination. While the top order and the bowling picks are more or less on display, there is still obscurity that is standing in the middle order. If anything, Ishan Kishan's blitz against Pakistan in the group stage of Asia Cup 2023 has only intensified the debate that was already prevailing over the names of Kishan, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer.

3 things you need to know

• KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Ishan Kishan have been added to the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 provisional squad
• Ishan Kishan played the innings of 82 off 81 against Pakistan in the group stage match of Asia Cup 2023
• KL Rahul is yet to feature for Team India in the Asia Cup 2023

Also Read | Asia Cup 2023: Who Are The Top Run-scorers And Top Wicket-takers After SL Vs BAN Match?

Mohammed Kaif pays heed to the Iyer-Ishan-Rahul debate

KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer were seen as the first choice for the middle order position, but with a fiery knock of 82 against arch-rivals Pakistan, Ishan Kishan has presented his candidature for a spot in the playing XI. As a consequence, a trifecta is developing and one out of the three will have to sit out eventually. A slew of opinions from the fans is filling up the social media space on the concerned subject and a heavy majority is in favour of Ishan playing over Rahul. Some have suggested Ishan and KL Rahul as the preferred representatives of the middle order, whereas some see Rahul and Iyer as the ideal picks. Though, fans are limited to having a say, the decision on who will play falls on the head coach and team management.

According to former India cricketer, Mohammed Kaif, Rahul Dravid will have an objective in front of him, which will be to provide Rahul and Iyer with the appropriate game time. Kaif hails Rahul and Iyer as the "backbone" of the middle order and states, Ishan's performance against Pak has brought in healthy competition. Here's what he said during a Star Sports show.

"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.

Also Read | Ind Vs Pak Live Cricket Score Asia Cup 2023

Need to be careful with Iyer and Rahul

Kaif also laid weight on the subject of workload management and suggested that while game time is necessary for Rahul and Iyer, the team management needs to be careful with them, considering they have just come back after a long injury haul.

"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.