IND vs ZIM: Mohammed Kaif Wants Shubman Gill And Shikhar Dhawan To Open In India's Playing XI For Zimbabwe ODIs
Published - 17 Aug 2022, 12:36 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:11 AM
Former cricketer Mohammed Kaif has stated that during the ODI series against Zimbabwe, he would prefer to see Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan open the innings.
During the 50-over series against the West Indies, Gill and Dhawan were very impactful as opening partners. For his efforts during the three-match series in the Caribbean, the 22-year-old right-handed batter was named Man of the Series.
Mohammed Kaif has now pushed India to play the same team against Zimbabwe in the forthcoming series. According to News 18, the former India cricketer claimed during a media encounter that middle-order batsman KL Rahul can also bat. He emphasized that Gill is in good shape and that their relationship in the West Indies was successful.
“KL Rahul has previously suited up for India at No. 5 in ODIs. Although he has previously played at No. 5, he can open if he wants to prepare matches. Shikhar Dhawan and Gill had a successful relationship in the West Indies, according to Kaif. Gill is in good form.”
‘Both Gill and Dhawan are in good form’: Mohammed Kaif
Mohammed Kaif stated that Gill and Dhawan would be his top picks for the opening.
“Gill and Dhawan are both performing well. Rahul can therefore descend to No. 3 after they open. Being the captain, it all falls on Rahul, who requires match practice due to an injury.”
“He is the captain, therefore he can bat wherever he pleases. But in my opinion, Shubman Gill and Shikhar Dhawan showed promise against the West Indies, therefore you should consider using them as openers. KL Rahul can bat at No. 3 in Zimbabwe too,” said Mohammed Kaif.
A three-match One-Day International series between Team India and Zimbabwe is set to begin this week in Harare. The series is anticipated to be entertaining as KL Rahul will captain the Men in Blue. The hosts are also looking strong and are full of confidence after a 2-1 series victory against Bangladesh in both T20I and ODI matches earlier this month.
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