New Delhi: Getting fit for the Zimbabwe ODI series before the Asia Cup will give KL Rahul a lot of advantage. He can test his rhythm. In the upcoming matches, Shikhar can open the innings with Dhawan. Rahul, who is heading the team on this tour, will open, while Shubman Gill, who will play this role with Dhawan on the tour of West Indies, will have to come at number three.
Head coach Rahul Dravid will not be with the team for the three-match ODI series starting in Harare on Thursday (August 18). In his place, NCA (National Cricket Academy) chief VVS Laxman will play the role of coach. It is almost certain that Laxman will follow the blueprint set by the head coach. Rahul’s return has also created problems for the young top-order batsman Gill. Gill batted brilliantly in the 50-over format in the West Indies. He was named Man of the Series after his match-winning knocks of 64, 43 and 98 not out.
Former selector of the national team and Test opener Devang Gandhi said on this issue, ‘I think Shubman is being groomed properly by the Indian team management. He has done exceptionally well in ODIs on Caribbean soil. I think the team is preparing the players in such a way that they can bat at any position. Shubman may have to come at number three for this particular series.
Former Indian player Deep Das Gupta also agreed with Devang’s words. “It is difficult for a player after being in such a good rhythm. The team’s target for the time being will be to prepare Rahul as an opener for the Asia Cup T20. He should get a lot of time to bat and that is my priority. I think it will be a short term arrangement as I think Shubman is being groomed as an opener for the ODI World Cup.
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