(AP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary has weighed in on the BCCI and Indian selectors’ choice to appoint Shubman Gill as captain for Team India in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on Saturday, July 6, in Harare.
Gill is poised to debut his captaincy on the Zimbabwe tour, guiding a youthful squad in the upcoming T20I series. While many former cricketers and experts endorse Gill as a future captain of the Indian team, the decision has also faced scrutiny from some quarters.
Shubman Gill is gearing up to debut as captain for India in Harare.
Despite an underwhelming stint as captain with the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2024, Shubman Gill has been appointed captain for India’s Zimbabwe tour, a decision that surprised many. Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led India to gold in the Asian Games and guided Chennai Super Kings to fifth place in IPL 2024, was also seen as a strong candidate.
However, BCCI’s decision to choose Gill indicates they see him as a potential future captain post-Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Former cricketers like Virender Sehwag and Manoj Tiwary support this decision, citing Gill’s consistent performance across formats, particularly in ODIs.
Manoj Tiwary supports BCCI’s choice of Shubman Gill as India’s captain for the T20I series in Zimbabwe.
Manoj Tiwary was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz: “Yes, I agree with the captain’s choice. I am very happy that Shubhman Gill has been consistently playing for India’s One Day cricket team and consistently performing well in the format.”
Meanwhile, Indian captain Shubman Gill has announced that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma will debut for India in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 6. Gill further disclosed that he and Abhishek will open the batting for the Men in Blue in the series opener.
Meanwhile, Indian captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) opener Abhishek Sharma will make his debut for India in the first T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare on July 6. Gill also disclosed that he and Abhishek will open the batting for the Men in Blue in the series opener.
Additionally, Gill announced that Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at No. 3 in the first T20I in Harare, stating to PTI, “Abhishek Sharma will open with me and Ruturaj Gaikwad will bat at No. 3.”
Abhishek Sharma impressed during IPL 2024, scoring 484 runs in 16 matches at an exceptional strike rate of 204.22, contributing significantly to SRH’s journey to the finals where they lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) earlier this year.
Known for his aggressive batting in the powerplay overs, Abhishek’s left-arm spin will also be valuable in the anticipated slow and low conditions in Harare. Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel are also poised to make their debuts for India during the Zimbabwe tour.
