BAN vs IND 2022: It’s good to have these kinds of competitions for number five and six – Sunil Gavaskar on India’s middle order

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar feels the healthy competition for a particular spot in India’s ODI team is a good sign. Players like KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are competing for the number five and six place in the batting order.

Rahul can keep the wickets and he is the team’s vice-captain whereas Shreyas Iyer has been in ominous form in the 50-overs version and he can also roll his arm over a bit.

On the other hand, there is Hardik Pandya, who is certain in the team with his all-rounder abilities. Pandya is currently not part of the ODI squad in the three-match series against Bangladesh however he is expected to soon return to action.

Furthermore, there are players like Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and Suryakumar Yadav, who are waiting in the wings for their chances in the ODI format.

“When you have someone breathing down you neck like KL Rahul will feel Shreyas Iyer is breathing down his neck which is again good for Rahul because he would want to go out there not taking any match lightly. He would want to score in every game. And both of them are outstanding fielders and KL Rahul can keep wickets which is a huge plus. Iyer can also bowl. So it is good to have these kind of competitions for No. 5 and 6 not to forget that there is a certain Hardik Pandya who is also likely to come back in the one-day side sooner than later,” Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports.

There is no doubt India has no shortage of options but the players need to be more consistent when they get their opportunities.

India’s top order has delivered consistently but their middle order has been a concern in recent times. However, the current form of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma is also an issue for the team.

Meanwhile, India has made two changes to their final XI for the second ODI against the Tigers as they have brought in Umran Malik and Axar Patel to the side.