MI vs SRH: Rahul Tripathi Is Not Far At All From India Call-Up – Ravi Shastri

Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri reckoned Rahul Tripathi to be a backup player for Suryakumar Yadav in Indian team’s middle order.

Tripathi’s 44-ball 76, including nine fours and three sixes, propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to 193/6 against Mumbai Indians on Tuesday at the Wankhede Stadium.

MI vs SRH: Rahul Tripathi has the best strike rate with most runs in IPL 2022

Tripathi has amassed 393 runs in 13 matches at an average of 35.73 and a strike rate of 161.73, including three half-centuries.

The Maharashtra batter has scored the most runs with the highest strike rate than any other batter this season. Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone’s 388 runs, striking at 177.98 is the second-best.

Rahul Tripathi can be slotted in the Indian team if someone gets injured

Shastri said Indian selectors will have their eyes on Tripathi’s tremendous run with the bat this year and the Maharashtra batter could be considered as Suryakumar Yadav’s backup at No.3.

“He’s not far at all. If someone doesn’t get up from the bench or gets up from the wrong side of the bed and gets injured, this guy can be slotted in straightaway,” Shastri told ESPNCricinfo

“He can go at No. 3 or 4, he’s a dangerous player, and should be in the mix. If he’s performing season after season, I’m sure the selectors will be watching that very, very closely and giving him his due.

“No question about that (Tripathi as a backup for Suryakumar at No.3). It’s not that one swallow that makes a summer, he’s been around for a bit and what I like about his game is his fearlessness, and he’s got a tag of being a known quantity and someone the opposition wants to get out quickly.

“Irrespective of that, he comes out and plays his game and his shot-making ability, the all-round game that he has, he’s not overawed by any opposition or by any bowler, which is great to see,” the former Indian head coach further said.

Sunrisers Hyderabad eked out Mumbai Indians by three runs to keep their slender hopes of IPL 2022 playoffs spot alive. The Orange Army will play Punjab Kings in the final game of the league stage on May 22.

Also Read: MI vs SRH: When You Play Cricket, It Is Obviously A Dream To Represent Your Country – Rahul Tripathi