Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes Ruturaj Gaikwad should be given one more opportunity in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa. Gaikwad hasn’t been able to deliver the goods in the first two matches of the series.
The right-hander was dismissed after scoring 23 runs in the first T20I against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Furthermore, the youngster could only manage a solitary run in the second T20I at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack.
However, Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the only two options India has as openers in their current squad of 16-man. KL Rahul was earlier ruled out with a right groin injury but no replacement was named by the national selectors.
Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports, “I feel in the batting, Ruturaj Gaikwad should be given one more opportunity although I was slightly surprised with the length of his stride. Was it necessary? I think it might have been a predetermined attempt from him.”
“You cannot play an attacking shot if you take such a big stride because all your weight is on the back foot, and that is why he sliced the ball and it went towards point. The Indian team has a lot of expectations from Ruturaj Gaikwad, they see him as a future top-order batter, so his performance will certainly come under the microscope.”
On the other hand, Bangar suggested that India can make two changes to their playing XI. Ravi Bishnoi can come in place of Axar Patel, who has been expensive whereas Arshdeep Singh can replace Avesh Khan. Singh had impressed with his ability to hit the blockhole in the IPL and can definitely add value to the team.
“You cannot play an attacking shot if you take such a big stride because all your weight is on the back foot, and that is why he sliced the ball and it went towards point. The Indian team has a lot of expectations from Ruturaj Gaikwad, they see him as a future top-order batter, so his performance will certainly come under the microscope.”
“If two wrist-spinners can give wickets to the Indian team in the middle overs, then they can break the momentum slightly. We have a lot of options for the first six overs, so we can try out Arshdeep in place of Avesh Khan.”
The third T20I will be played at Vizag on Tuesday.
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