Former India Test player Wasim Jaffer reckons Ruturaj Gaikwad deserves an opportunity at the top in the third T20I against Sri Lanka in Rajkot on Saturday (January 7). Jaffer opined that Gaikwad has scored plenty of runs in domestic cricket and deserves a chance, with Shubman Gill struggling in the first two games.
Gill, who made his T20I debut against Sri Lanka in the first game in Mumbai, has opened alongside Ishan Kishan in both matches. However, the right-hander has struggled, managing two single-figure scores. The hosts have also had opening partnerships of 12 and 27 in the two T20Is in the ongoing series.
Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo’s Timeout, Jaffer pointed out Gaikwad’s brilliance in the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy tournament, where he was the second-highest run-getter. The 44-year-old also expects no changes to the bowling department despite Arshdeep Singh’s forgettable outing in the second game in Pune.
He continued:
When asked whether the top-order batters should bide their time, he agreed, as they could cash in on Sri Lanka’s weak death-bowling. Jaffer added that all the Indian batters can do that, elaborating:
Jaffer continued:
The Men in Blue’s batting hasn’t produced the goods in the last two games, with the lower-order batters coming to the rescue. The first game saw Axar Patel and Suryakumar Yadav propel India from 94-5 to 162, while Axar and Suryakumar Yadav joined hands at 57-5 in the second T20I to forge a 91-run stand.
Jaffer said that all eyes would be on Ishan and Ruturaj if the latter plays on Saturday. The 31-Test veteran also reckons Dasun Shanaka, Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa could be key for Sri Lanka if they’re to win.
Jaffer added:
Should the tourists win the third game, it will be their first bilateral series victory in India.
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