Gill-Rahul out, Kishan-Gaikwad in? Rayudu, Karthik predict India's changes

From left, India's captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli (PTI Photo)India have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match ODI series against New Zealand, with the third match in Hamilton abandoned due to rain. With Shubman Gill and KL Rahul set to miss the final two games to prepare for the upcoming Test series, the spotlight now shifts to the batting combination Shreyas Iyer will field in the remaining matches.Former India cricketers Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik have backed Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad to come into the playing XI, offering India a new-look top and middle order for the final leg of the series.India take 2-0 lead after two wins, third ODI washed outIndia began the series with a five-wicket victory (DLS method) in Auckland on November 4. After bowling New Zealand out for 185 in 40.2 overs, the visitors chased down a revised target of 143 in just 22.4 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with 74 off 51 balls, while Anshul Kamboj was named Player of the Match for his two-wicket haul.The second ODI in Wellington proved to be a much tighter contest. New Zealand were dismissed for 134 in 41 overs, with Gurnoor Brar leading India's bowling effort with figures of 4/30. India were 113/7 in 26 overs when rain interrupted play, but had moved four runs ahead of the DLS par score to secure a four-run victory. Shreyas Iyer scored 30, while KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 26.The third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton on November 10 was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. India had won the toss and elected to bowl, but repeated delays and ground inspections eventually forced the officials to call off the contest.The result ensured India retained their 2-0 advantage in the series, with the final two matches scheduled to be played in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and 15.Rayudu backs Ishan Kishan, Ruturaj Gaikwad for playing XIWith Gill unavailable for the remaining matches, Ishan Kishan is a strong candidate to open alongside Rohit Sharma. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter is also the designated vice-captain for the final two ODIs, making his inclusion a likely option.Rayudu believes Kishan should replace Gill at the top, while Gaikwad should get an opportunity in the middle order in place of Rahul. He also pointed out that Gaikwad's recent role in the Indian side has not been as an opener."I would go with Ishan Kishan to replace Shubman Gill at the top and open with Rohit Sharma. Ruturaj Gaikwad has scored a 100, but he has not opened for India in recent times," Rayudu said on Cricbuzz."I think Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad should be coming into the playing XI, and they can be moved up and down according to what number you would like them to bat," he added.Karthik echoed Rayudu's suggestions, backing Kishan at the top and Gaikwad in the middle order. He also highlighted the left-right batting combination that the two changes could offer India."I think Ishan may be at the top, and you have played Rutu in the middle order, so he comes in for KL Rahul. You will get the left-right combination as well," Karthik said.Karthik raises question over Anshul Kamboj's replacementKarthik also discussed India's bowling options for the remaining matches, with Anshul Kamboj absent from the revised squad.He raised the possibility of giving Yash Thakur an opportunity or bringing Mohammed Siraj into the playing XI."Does Yash Thakur get a gig? Or does Mohammed Siraj come in? I hope he gets a game. So, Gill, Rahul, and Kamboj have left the playing XI, so you have three ready-made replacements in the playing XI," Karthik added.