India made some big changes in the plying 11 for the third T20I against Zimbabwe. The World Cup heroes, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Shivam Dube, returned to the squad.
This reshuffle sees Sai Sudarshan and Riyan Parag getting dropped from the playing 11 at the IND vs ZIM third T20I.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is set to take Parag’s place at number 4, which is an unusual position for him. Parag has been playing at number 4 in the IPL, and that is his natural position. While Yashavi and Gill opened, Abhishek Sharma batted at number 3.
Parag’s exclusion raises eyebrows as India is playing four openers in the match, instead of giving a chance to a natural number 4.
Parag didn’t get to bat in the second match
Parag had a quiet start with the bat, scoring only 2 runs in the first match. Though he didn’t get a chance to bat in the second, his bowling outing might have offered some solace.
On the other hand, Ruturaj Gaikwad too had a flop show in the first T20, scoring only 7 runs, but he made a comeback and put in a spectacular show, scoring 77 runs in the second T20, although he was
The move suggests that team management is looking to experiment with their batting order.
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Sai Sudarshan has yet to bat
Sai Sudarshan’s case is even more curious. Included in the squad for the second T20I, he didn’t get a chance to bat before being dropped. This raises questions about squad selection and the lack of opportunities for new players.
With the series squared at 1-1, India has the freedom to experiment. Whether Gaikwad thrives in the unfamiliar number 4 role and if Parag gets another chance will be interesting to see in the next two matches.
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