Ishan Kishan and Rituraj Gaikwad opened for Team India in the five-match T20I series against South Africa and are likely to do the same against Ireland, but despite good performances, both will not find a place in the playing 11 when Regular captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul will return to the team. Rituraj may not even make a place in the team as Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav will also return.
Rohit, Rahul and Kohli have rarely played together since the T20 World Cup last year. While Rahul performed brilliantly in the nfS IPL of Lucknow Supergiants (LSG), Rohit and Kohli had the worst season. Apart from this, questions are being raised on his strike rate for some time now. When asked about this, former India selector Saba Karim said that he will have a place in the playing 11, but the selectors should not shy away from having a tough conversation with him if he is unable to bat as per the requirement.
Speaking to the media organized by Sony Sports Network, Karim said, “The selectors have a tough job. At this stage, I am sure these three (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul) will be in the playing XI.” He said that Rohit, Kohli and Rahul have enough experience to change their approach and bat at a better pace in the shortest format of the game.
Karim said, “If they are being criticized like this, it is up to them to find a solution so that they can emerge better. If this is not happening then the team management or selectors need to have a tough conversation with them as there is tough competition. The players you have named have enough experience to make the necessary changes in their batting. I am sure he understands the requirements of modern T20 batting.”
Rohit, Kohli are currently preparing for the Birmingham Test in England while Rahul is battling a back injury, which has ruled him out of the series. Hardik Pandya is set to lead India in the two-match T20I series starting June 26 in Ireland. Earlier, Rishabh Pant was the captain in the series against South Africa.