Former Team India keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta stated that Shubman Gill is being groomed as an opener for the upcoming ODI World Cup, which will take place in India in 2023. He, however, opined that KL Rahul should open the innings in Zimbabwe since he needs much batting time as possible before the Asia Cup. However, the ODI series in Zimbabwe will start on August 18, and it will mark KL Rahul’s return to international cricket as well. He last played for Team India back in February, during the home series against the West Indies as well.
Initially, KL Rahul was not featured for the Zimbabwe tour. However, he was added to the squad and was even named captain after he became a match fit as well. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan were a formidable opening pair in the ODI against the Windies in the recently concluded series.
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Speaking to PTI, though, Deep Dasgupta backed KL Rahul to open ahead of Gill. He explained: “I agree it is difficult after you have had such a good series. But currently, the aim would be to prepare Rahul for the Asia Cup T20’s opening slot. He needs to get a lot of batting time and that’s a priority. I think it will be a short-term arrangement as Shubman I feel is being groomed as an opener for the ODI World Cup.”
However, Shubman Gill was the Player of the Series as India thrashed West Indies 3-0 in the ODIs. The youngster registered scores of 64, 43 and 98 not out as well. Meanwhile, former national selector and Test opener Devang Gandhi said that Shubman Gill will bat at No. 3 against Zimbabwe.
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He said: “I think Shubman is being groomed in the right way by the Indian team management. While he has done exceedingly well in the Caribbean ODIs, what I can gage from this team’s philosophy is to prepare players for multiple slots. Hence, I feel for this particular series, Shubman might have to come in at No. 3. He might have to come in as early as the second ball of the innings and that is as good as opening the batting. Also, my hunch is that once Rahul has enough game time under his belt, he will once again bat in the middle order, with Gill being prepared for the 2023 event.”
