Team India has already begun preparations for the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be held in India. India would like to look at their possible 15 for the tournament over the next nine months. One of the most difficult decisions for the selectors will be choosing between Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill as openers for the World Cup. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, on the other hand, has given a huge verdict on who is leading the race between Dhawan and Gill, with Rahul likely to take middle-order responsibilities.
Since 2019, Dhawan has been the most consistent member of the ODI team, and he has even led the team on several occasions in the absence of some regular stars, the most recent being the New Zealand tour.
Gill, on the other hand, has been working hard to cement his place in the ODI squad and become India’s first-choice opener. So far in 15 ODIs, he has scored 687 runs at 57.2, with one century and four fifties.
Only one of the two will be able to partner Rohit in the World Cup, and Gavaskar, speaking with Sony Sports on Sunday ahead of the first ODI between India and Bangladesh, named Dhawan as the primary choice opener.
“You are always on the lookout for a left-right combination.” Shikhar brings his left-handedness as well as a wealth of experience. I believe he has a point or two to prove in that he may be arguing that with his track record in T20 cricket, he should be playing that as well. So I think these games will be a great opportunity for him to show that he belongs in this squad, not just when the regulars are away,” he explained.
The India batting legend went on to say that for Gill to break through, he needs to score impactful centuries after centuries rather than getting stuck in the 50s or 60s.
“This means that Shubman Gill, for example, will have to score hundreds and hundreds of points.” Not in the 50s and 60s like he is. Make no mistake, he is a fantastic talent. He is a unique talent. However, he is not doing his talent justice by performing in the 50s or 60s. Yes, I understand that you are trying to increase the scoring rate, but he needs to convert those 50s and 60s into impact hundreds and 120s. Those knocks have an effect on the outcome.”
