After selecting their starting lineup for the opening match of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, the Indian team management, led by captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, surprised many. Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav were both left off the team, a gutsy choice made by Rohit and Dravid.
Since Ishan had made a double century in India’s previous ODI before this series, many people were taken aback by this decision. The milestone in the series’ away game against Bangladesh was mentioned by Kishan last month. Suryakumar, who is by far the finest T20I hitter, struck a century in the T20I series finale at Rajkot last month, but he was unable to make the starting XI for the 50-over series.
Shubman Gill and KL Rahul were selected despite intense criticism of the decision made by the team management. Mohammed Kaif, a former Indian batter, has provided a harsh evaluation of the choice and criticized those who have voiced their displeasure.
While talking to Star Sports, Kaif said, “It’s a tough one – Ishan + Surya or KL + Gill. I think Rohit Sharma has made it very clear as a captain. The boys have been playing for the last couple of years, they have been getting runs. Last year Gill and KL Rahul played well. Shubman Gill is opening the innings and getting runs and KL Rahul is finishing the innings, the way he did in the last game – fantastic. What I like about Rohit Sharma is that he is very clear in his thoughts.”
He further added, “He (Rohit) is not going flashy. Ishan Kishan and Surya will tempt you because they are fantastic players but he knows that he needs to give his players a long run, that’s why Gill and KL are playing.”
Kishan and Suryakumar could feature in the third ODI on Sunday (January 16) as India has won the series. The duo has been called up to the Indian Test team for the Australia series despite being uncapped.
