Ishan Kishan and Prithvi Shaw, according to former batter Gautam Gambhir, ought to be Team India’s regular openers in T20 International matches. For the three-match T20I series against New Zealand that gets underway on Friday, January 27, the right-handed Shaw just returned to the national team.
Shaw has not played for India since the tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021, despite having already participated in 5 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 1 T20I. Shaw was able to join the Indian setup thanks to a strong performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and a triple hundred in the Ranji Trophy.
However, Gambhir requested that the 23-year-old Shaw be given more time to bat by the Indian team management. Gambhir, who officially ended his career in cricket in December 2018, claimed that Shaw is a player who can attack the bowlers and win games.
Gambhir said on Star Sports, “He shouldn’t have been out anyway as whenever he has got an opportunity, he has given India that kind of an explosive start. He is the right guy. He, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav perfectly fit the template India keeps talking about. Now that you have picked Shaw, persist with him.”
He added, “Don’t judge him by every series. He is young, he is explosive and he is a match-winner. So pick him in the playing XI and give him a long run.”
In addition, Shubman Gill, who made his Twenty20 International debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, was advised by Gambhir to concentrate more on Tests and the 50-over format.
He stated, “Shubman Gill needs to concentrate on Test and ODI cricket. Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan should be your permanent openers in T20Is.”
India is currently leading the ODI series against Sri Lanka, 2-0, with one game remaining on January 15th.
