Former Indian head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri has suggested some changes in the batting line-up ahead of the Asia Cup 2023 tournament. He backed Ishan Kishan as an opener and suggested opening the innings for the Indian team in the tournament.
As India prepares for the forthcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023, a range of difficulties await the team’s attention. Their focus narrows on addressing concerns before these key tournaments. The team, known as the Men-in-Blue, is now battling with injuries to two crucial players, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Both are in the midst of recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
The batting lineup for the squad has been disturbed due to these injuries, requiring probable alterations if the pair isn’t able to fully heal in time for these crucial tournaments.
Offering a strategic tweak to the Indian batting order, former India head coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri has offered a fresh method. He advises boosting Ishan Kishan to open the innings while dropping Shubman Gill to a lower position in the batting order. This change tries to introduce a right-left hand combination at the top, potentially adding a strategic edge.
Noteworthy is Kishan’s recent success of being selected Player of the Series for his excellent performance in a three-match series against West Indies. During this series, he collected an amazing 184 runs from three innings, displaying his prowess as a wicketkeeper-batsman. As India trains up for the forthcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023, a range of difficulties await the team’s attention. Their focus narrows on addressing concerns before these key tournaments.
The team, known as the Men-in-Blue, is now battling with injuries to two crucial players, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. Both are in the midst of recovery at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The batting lineup for the squad has been disturbed due to these injuries, requiring probable alterations if the pair isn’t able to fully heal in time for these crucial tournaments.
Yet, a difference of opinion developed during the experts’ panel, where former India chief selector and cricketer Sandeep Patil held an opposite position to Shastri. Patil claimed that considering Gill’s recent form, he should certainly open the innings.
“I will go with Shubman Gill looking at his form. I understand the argument that Ravi and MSK made (in favor of Kishan). But it is very important for the team’s sake. I don’t agree that Rohit Sharma will be more comfortable with a left-handed opening partner. Gill should open with him,” Patil said on Star Sports.
Virat can bat at number four for the team: Ravi Shastri
“Sandy has a very good point. We talked about Kishan doing well. Shubman Gill has had a fabulous 2023. This is where that flexibility comes. This is where you have to see the player’s frame of mind. How will Shubman Gill feel if asked to bat No.3 or No.4 as opposed to batting at the top? No one owns a position. If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team,” he added.
