Asia Cup 2018: Three potential replacements for Virat Kohli

#1 Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu makes a return to Team India for Asia Cup 2018. The former Indian U-19 captain enjoyed a fantastic season of IPL, playing under Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an opening batsman. He was selected for the England Tour for the ODI series but was replaced by Suresh Raina due to failing the YoYo fitness test.

Rayudu was one of the highest run scorers in IPL this year, this was a drastic change in him from last year where he played for Mumbai Indians where his performances were not at the highest level. But when he was chosen by CSK in IPL auctions in 2018, it suddenly changed his game completely. The 32-year-old became the most consistent run scoring batsmen for the team and led the team to win the season in the process.

He credits his success to former India captain MS Dhoni, (the captain of CSK) for utilizing him really well. The difference was apparent as Mumbai Indians used him in the sixth or seventh spot, whereas, CSK used him as an opener. However, the competition for opening in limited overs for India is stiff as Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are the first choice players and it would be difficult for Rayudu to break into the team as an opener.

So the best way Team India can use Rayudu is by allowing him to play in the third spot since in the absence of Virat Kohli. It will also be a good opportunity for selectors to check if he can replicate his IPL. If this works then Team India can use Rayudu in this position going forward.