Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has recently commended the opening pair of Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan, praising their ability to dominate the powerplay overs and put pressure on the opposition. Gavaskar highlighted the impact of having two left-handed batters at the top of the order, emphasizing the challenge it poses for the opposing captain when they start hitting boundaries early on in the innings.
In a conversation with Sports Tak’s YouTube channel, Gavaskar expressed his preference for Ishan Kishan over Sanju Samson, citing Kishan’s current form and recent performances. Kishan’s explosive century against New Zealand in the fifth T20I and his quickfire fifty in a T20 World Cup warm-up game against South Africa showcased his batting prowess and ability to score quickly.
On the other hand, Sanju Samson struggled for runs in the T20I series against New Zealand, failing to make a significant impact with the bat. Gavaskar’s endorsement of Kishan for the opening slot indicates a shift in the team’s strategy based on current form and performance.
Moving on to India’s middle-order batters, Gavaskar lauded the likes of Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Axar Patel for their power-hitting abilities. He emphasized the importance of having players who can score quick runs in the middle overs, providing the team with balance and depth in their batting lineup.
While praising India’s tailor-made team composition, Gavaskar also issued a word of caution against complacency when facing lesser-ranked teams like the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands in the group stages of the T20 World Cup. He stressed the need for a focused and disciplined approach, especially in the early overs, to avoid any surprises or upsets.
As India gears up to kick off their T20 World Cup campaign against the USA on February 7, Gavaskar’s insights and observations serve as a valuable guide for the team to navigate through the tournament successfully. With a combination of power hitters, aggressive openers, and a balanced middle order, India will look to make a strong statement in the competition under the leadership of their experienced players.
