Heading into the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand, the form of Abhishek Sharma remains a big concern and the big decision of whether to play him in such a crucial match.
The opener has scored only 80 runs in the tournament so far and his best score being 55 against Zimbabwe. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said it would be a tough call for the team management, but he wants to see Ishan Kishan opening with Sanju Samson in the final at Ahmedabad on Sunday.
“It’s a very tough call. Abhishek Sharma is the No. 1 batter in the ICC T20 rankings, but he hasn’t learned from his dismissals. He keeps getting out in the same region where his arms are cramped for room,” Gavaskar was quoted saying to India Today.
“Bowlers are targeting that area and forcing mistakes. My concern is that he either hasn’t adjusted yet or is unable to change his approach,” he added.
Gavaskar has backed Sanju and Ishan opening the innings while Rinku Singh coming in as the replacement for Abhishek.
“I would like to see Ishan Kishan open the batting with Sanju Samson, with Rinku Singh coming into the side. Rinku has that belief-you’ve probably seen the ‘God’s Plan’ tattoo on his body-and sometimes things just work out for players like him,” Gavaskar said.
Varun Chakaravarthy too has struggled with his line and gone for runs against stronger teams. Gavaskar says Kuldeep Yadav would be an ideal replacement for Varun on Sunday.
“The other change I would consider is bringing in Kuldeep Yadav. Varun Chakravarthy’s confidence looks shattered at the moment. Since the Super Eight stage, when he faced stronger teams, he has struggled and conceded a lot of runs. At a ground like the Narendra Modi Stadium, with big boundaries, Kuldeep Yadav could be a good option because he can turn the ball even on flat surfaces,” Gavaskar said.
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif is also in the favour of giving the world No. 1 batter in T20Is a break.
“India can give Abhishek Sharma a break. He has played many matches now. There is no harm in making changes. You can make changes in the shortest format. Roston Chase opened against India as Brandon King was out of form. They backed him for five or six matches, but they gave him a break for a big match. I believe that, like you brought in Sanju, and he did a great job, so that change worked in your favour,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
He added that Rinku Singh can come in as Abhishek’s replacement and if India wish to play an extra bowler then there are Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav.
“India have proven players. Rinku Singh scores runs everywhere, be it Tests, Ranji Trophy, or the IPL. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj also take wickets everywhere. When you look in the dugout to see who can replace Abhishek Sharma, you see Rinku Singh sitting there. So, bring him in. A guy is struggling, and another guy is sitting outside despite doing well,” Kaif also said.
