"Direct Shoot-Out Between Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill" - Aakash Chopra On Opening Spot For T20 WC
Published - 04 Dec 2023, 04:50 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that Ruturaj Gaikwad could face stiff competition from Shubman Gill for an opening position for the T20 World Cup 2024. Aakash Chopra advised Ruturaj Gaikwad to continue scoring runs to secure his place in India’s T20I squad.
Ruturaj Gaikwad scored only 10 runs off 12 deliveries in the final T20I against Australia in Bengaluru on Sunday. The right-handed batter emerged as the highest run-scorer in the series, scoring 223 runs at an impressive average of 55.75 and a strike rate of 159.28.
Rohit Sharma Will Also Come Now – Aakash Chopra
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra emphasized the significance of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s performances against Australia. Chopra noted the potential competition between him and Shubman Gill, considering their similar playing styles in T20 cricket.
“Ruturaj Gaikwad – he said that he is there. Ruturaj is going to have stiff competition because Shubman Gill also plays like that. Rohit Sharma will also come now. So suddenly you will feel that you aren’t even able to pick two among the three,” Chopra said.
“So these runs were necessary. Keep scoring runs so that you are part of the squad when the World Cup comes. From his point of view, it’s important that he remains a part of the squad. It might be a direct shoot-out between him and Shubman Gill. You might keep one of them as both do similar things in T20 cricket,” he added.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Has Scored Enough Runs – Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performances have secured his position in the discussion for selection. Chopra acknowledged that Jaiswal has presented a strong case for consideration in all three formats.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored enough runs that you will keep him in mind – left-right combination at the top. You will get a left-hander down the order in the form of Rinku (Singh). He could have scored a few more runs. He got out in the powerplay in all five matches,” Chopra further stated.
“He is aggressive and plays in one fashion. He has got this versatility – he knows how to bat in Tests and T20Is, eventually he will play ODIs too. He has done a very good job from his perspective. He is putting his name.”
