Aakash Chopra feels that choosing between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad as Shubman Gill’s opening partner for the first T20I between India and South Africa will be challenging.
In a three-match Twenty20 International series, the two teams will square off; the opening encounter is scheduled for Sunday in Durban. At the top of the order in the recent Twenty20 International series against Australia, Jaiswal and Gaikwad batted. Shubman Gill, who was rested against the Australians, is back in the mix for the Twenty20 Internationals against the Proteas and will face them in the opening roles.
Chopra stated in a video posted to his YouTube account that Gill is a lock to be one of the openers. However, as his opening partner, he was split between Jaiswal and Gaikwad, as explained:
“Shubman Gill is back, so I am assuming he will play. He should play the first match itself. If he plays, who will open with him? Both Ruturaj and Yashasvi are standing together and saying that they did well in the last series.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener added:
“Ruturaj scored a century as well, was the highest run-scorer, so he will say he should be played. However, Yashasvi is a left-hander, very attractive and aggressive, he will say he should be played. So that’s the first fight that who should be played. Difficult question, I don’t have an answer.”
Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra claimed that he is somewhat favoring Jaiswal since he offers a left-handed alternative. He did, however, say that leaving Gaikwad out would be a farce.
“It seems like there is no chance at all of Ishan Kishan playing” – Aakash Chopra
Ishan Kishan is not likely to get a game, according to Aakash Chopra’s further opinion. He figured:
“Then when I go slightly down the order, it seems like there is no chance at all of Ishan Kishan playing because Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh and Jitesh Sharma will play here. So Ishan Kishan has gone but he won’t play.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra expressed optimism that India will field the same starting XI throughout the three-match series and questioned the decision to have such a large team. He stated:
“I will keep a close eye on India’s selection because whoever you play in the first game, this is your duty that you play them all the matches because it is a three-match series only. So the selection of 17 players may just backfire but that’s the way it is.”
Aakash Chopra
Tilak Varma is another batter in India’s 17-man team, in addition to the aforementioned players. The Hyderabad teenager, who was forced to make place for Shreyas Iyer in the final two T20Is against Australia, may not be able to play in the shorter format against the Proteas.