Saba Karim, the former chief selector, has lauded the exceptional performances of Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, which India convincingly won. Karim recommended that both batsmen be considered as potential opening options for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. He also suggested giving Abhishek Sharma a chance in the squad, with Rishabh Pant expected to bat at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4.
"The most important positions will be in the top order only. I feel the selectors should go with these two (Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill) only. I feel Abhishek Sharma should get a place at least in the 15 because you have Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4," Karim stated in an interview with Sony Sports.
The series against Sri Lanka will mark the first task for newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. With Hardik Pandya absent from the squad, a new captain will also be named after India's triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024.
Karim stressed the significance of the captain and head coach's input in selecting the team, especially with players like Ruturaj Gaikwad pressing for a spot in the top order.
India's second-string team, led by Shubman Gill, secured a 4-1 series victory against Zimbabwe in the fifth T20I, demonstrating their adaptability and hunger for success in challenging conditions.
"It was an excellent series. The players showed remarkable adaptability after the initial loss, despite being unfamiliar with the conditions. Their resilience and determination were commendable," Gill remarked.