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Former Indian selector and wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim advocates for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to open for Team India in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, stressing the criticality of a strong top order.
Karim underscores the selection of players for pivotal batting positions, particularly with intense competition following Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from T20Is.
Saba Karim supports Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill as openers in T20Is.
Saba Karim voiced his support for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to continue opening in T20Is, highlighting their ability to set the tempo for Team India. He also recommended Abhishek Sharma’s inclusion in the T20I squad, noting Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav’s pivotal roles at No. 3 and No. 4 respectively.
While acknowledging the decision rests with the Indian team management, including coach Gautam Gambhir and the upcoming T20I captain, Karim stressed the importance of aligning player selection with their strategic vision.
He also recognized Ruturaj Gaikwad and other contenders for the opening slot, underscoring the selectors’ challenge in assembling a squad capable of consistent performance in T20 cricket.
They will need to select players who can execute their plans: Saba Karim
Saba Karim was quoted as saying by Sony Sports: “The most important positions will be in the top order only. I feel the selectors should go with these two (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill) only. I feel Abhishek Sharma should get a place at least in the 15 because you have Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. It also depends on who is the captain in T20Is.”
Karim added, “Gautam Gambhir is the head coach, so what is the thinking of the captain and head coach, and how they want to take the team forward. They will have to select players accordingly. Ruturaj Gaikwad is also there. They will need to select players who can execute that plan. So many talented players are hungry for spots in the top order, adding further complexity to the team composition.”
Speculation suggests Hardik Pandya may rest for the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka, potentially paving the way for Suryakumar Yadav to lead India under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching debut.
The BCCI is expected to announce the squads for India’s Sri Lanka tour later this week, with KL Rahul likely to captain in the three-match ODI series in August while Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah could also be rested.
