IND vs SL LIVE: Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has urged captain Rohit Sharma to give chances to both Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan as the Men in Blue prepare for their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The hosts have rested some key personnel going into the tour, while some have been ruled out due to injury, meaning a lot of new faces will be in the playing XI on Thursday. The likes of Sanju Samson have returned to the reckoning but Aakash Chopra believes that the Rajasthan Royals captain might have to wait for his chance. Follow Insidesport.in for all India vs Sri Lanka LIVE updates.
IND vs SL LIVE: “Give three chances to Ruturaj as well” – Aakash Chopra wants Rohit Sharma to bat at 3, omits Samson from his XI
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Sanju Samson might have to wait for his chance and urged captain Rohit Sharma to give opportunities to both Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad at the top of the order. Chopra listed out his predicted batting order, with some surprising calls, including the exclusion of Samson. The cricketer-turned-commentator persisted with the top order of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan, and Rohit Sharma.
Explaining his picks on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Ruturaj Gaikwad should open with Ishan Kishan. Justifiably, it begs the question; ‘Why not Sanju Samson?’ I believe that if you have started to play Ishan Kishan, let’s end that story whichever way it does. Maybe it has a beautiful ending. At least give him a substantial number of chances for him to capitalize. If he fails, it’s fine. If you replace him after 3 games, it is going to be a struggle.”
The ex-Indian opener added, “I want to open with Ruturaj because Rohit can bat at 3. Let Rohit play at three. Give three chances to Ruturaj as well. It will also ensure a left hand-right hand opening combination and Ruturaj will get the chances he deserves.”
Discussing the line-up further, Chopra opted to pick Deepak Hooda ahead of Sanju Samson, suggesting that there was little point playing the latter down the order. He added, “Rohit at 3, Shreyas Iyer at 4 and Deepak Hooda at 5. Why would you play Samson at 5 when he is a top-order batter? If you can’t give him chances at the top, there is no point in wasting his opportunities. Instead of doing that, give chances to those who can actually play in the position. I’ll have Venkatesh Iyer at six. ”
IND vs SL LIVE: “Give three chances to Ruturaj as well” – Aakash Chopra wants Rohit Sharma to bat at 3, omits Samson from his XI
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also sent out a warning to Sanju Samson, suggesting that the Rajasthan Royals captain utilises his potential.
“It is now up to Sanju Samson how he wants to use that talent and maximise it because as team management, we see a lot of potential and a lot of talent in that individual. I hope we give him that confidence whenever he gets an opportunity. He is definitely into consideration and that is why he is part of the team. His backfoot play is superb. When you go to Australia, you need that shot-making ability, Samson has it in him. I just hope he utilises his potential,” he added.
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