Ravi Shastri Explains Why India Won't Open With Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill In World Cup

28.06.2023 - 08:45 sports.ndtv.com

The countdown for the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 has begun, with India looking to end the excruciating wait for an ICC title, having last lifted one in 2013.

It was under MS Dhoni's leadership in 2011 that India had last tasted success in the 50-over format. However, there remain a few differences between the Indian squads in terms of the type of batters that are their in the team.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, having seen and guided the team, doesn't feel the current opening pairing of Rohit SHarma and Shubman Gill will be used by the management in the mega event.

With KL Rahul out injured, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been India's go-to opening pair in ODIs. But, Shastri feels this pairing wouldn't get the go-ahead in the World Cup as none of them is a left-hander. "No, that is going to be a challenge.

cricket India Cricket Team cup Rohit Sharma Ravi Shastri Shubman Gill Australia India

Chairman of senior selection committee Ajit Agarkar is all set to travel to West Indies to meet head coach Rahul Dravid and skipper Rohit Sharma to discuss the road map for 50 over World Cup starting October 5 in Ahmedabad. India will play Australia in Chennai on October 8 and marquee clash against Pakistan is slated for October 15 in Ahmedabad. "Currently Salil Ankola is in the West Indies but he will be back after the Test series gets over. Ajit will be joining the team before start of the white ball leg," a BCCI source in know of things told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Proposal Came From...": India Batting Coach On Shubman Gill Playing No. 3 In 1st Test

Shubman Gill has requisite attributes to bat at the crucial number three slot in Indian Test line-up as he can shift gears as per requirement and shouldn't be judged on the basis of one failure, batting coach Vikram Rathour said on Sunday. India won the first Test against the West Indies by an innings and 141 runs but Gill's first game as No. 3, replacing the dogged Cheteshwar Pujara, didn't start well. He was out for only 6 in India's only innings as skipper Rohit Sharma and debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal struck hundreds and Virat Kohli contributed 76.

Yashasvi Jaiswal Becomes 3rd Indian Opener To Slam Ton On Debut, Surpasses Virender Sehwag-Wasim Jaffer's Record Along With Rohit Sharma

Yashasvi Jaiswal was always earmarked for big things. Since his u-19 days, Jaiswal composure and talent made him stand out from his peers. He gave enough proof of his talent in domestic cricket and the IPL for him to be selected for the Test series against West Indies. And the 21-year-old took only one innings to prove that the faith shown in him by the team management was not unfounded. Opening the innings in the first Test in Dominica, Jaiswal slammed his maiden ton in 215 balls.

India vs West Indies: Yashasvi Jaiswal Surpasses Sachin Tendulkar, Shubman Gill For Unique Feat with Test Debut

Talented left-handed batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, who became the latest Test debutant for India, batted with grit on the first day of the first Test against West Indies in Dominica. He stayed unbeaten on 40 and looked set to complete his maiden half-century in Test on Day 2 of the match. With his Test debut, Jaiswal achieved a unique feat surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, Shubman Gill.

On Shubman Gill Requesting Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma To Bat At No. 3, Ex-India Opener Calls It 'Unusual'

Ahead of the first Test against West Indies in Dominica, India captain Rohit Sharma had confirmed that young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal will be making his debut for the team. Rohit had revealed that Yashasvi will open the innings alongside him, with Shubman Gill coming in at No.3. The Indian skipper had suggested that Gill has expressed his wish to play one down. Former India opening batter Aakash Chopra, however, believes it is unusual for a player to request for a change in the batting order in Indian cricket.

Watch: Shubman Gill Puts On His Dancing Shoes As Indian Bowlers Rattle West Indies Batters

Ravichandran Ashwin led the way for Team India with a five-wicket haul as the visitors bundled out West Indies for 150, before reaching 80/0 at stumps on Day 1 in the first Test in Dominica. After being left out of the XI in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, Ashwin made a remarkable comeback, scalping 5-60 off 24.3 overs to leave Windies captain Kraigg Brathwaite regretting the decision to bat first on winning the toss. Ravindra Jadeja was India's second most successful bowler on Day 1 as he picked up three wickets to support Ashwin.