"What is the thinking of Gautam Gambhir"- Ex India selector poses giant questions before Sri Lanka series

Saba Karim, former Indian selector and former wicketkeeper-batter, has suggested that Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill must continue open for Team India in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka.

He also emphasized the importance of the top order in the T20I series. Karim further highlighted the significance of selecting the right players for key positions at the top of the batting order, especially with strong contenders vying for spots in India’s T20I team after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement from the format.

Saba Karim backs Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill for opening roles in T20Is

However, the former Indian selector backed Jaiswal and Gill to continue opening, citing their potential to set the tone at the top of the order for the Men in Blue in T20I cricket. Additionally, Karim advocated for Abhishek Sharma's inclusion in the T20I squad, considering Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav occupying key positions at No. 3 and No. 4, respectively.

However, the former BCCI official admitted that the decision totally depends on the Indian cricket team management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir and the yet-to-be-named captain for the T20Is. However, Karim emphasized the importance of selecting the players according to the captain-coach duo's vision to effectively execute game plans.

Karim also acknowledged the presence of other talented contenders, such as Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is also vying for the opener’s slot in the Indian cricket team. With several players eager to claim their spots, the Indian selectors face the challenge of picking a team capable of delivering consistent performances in the format.

They will need to select players who can execute their plans: Saba Karim

Saba Karim was quoted as saying by Sony Sports: “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. It also depends on who is the captain in T20Is.”

Karim added, “Gautam Gambhir is the head coach, so what is the thinking of the captain and head coach, and how they want to take the team forward. They will have to select players accordingly. Ruturaj Gaikwad is also there. They will need to select players who can execute that plan. So many talented players are hungry for spots in the top order, adding further complexity to the team composition.”

Notably, Hardik Pandya is likely to get a break for the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka, and if the rumors are true, then Suryakumar Yadav can have the honor to lead the Men in Blue in Gambhir’s debut series as head coach of the national team. It is being said that the BCCI will announce the ODI and T20I squads for India’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka later this week.

It is also being said that KL Rahul is likely to captain India in the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in August, with Rohit likely to get a break. Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah are also likely to be rested for the ODI series.