Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden reckons Rahul Tripathi has the potential to go all the way in international cricket.
Tripathi has impressed while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2022 and he is now knocking at the selection doors for the national team.
In fact, experts like Ian Bishop, Ravi Shastri, and Daniel Vettori also feel Rahul Tripathi should receive his maiden call-up to the Indian team. Meanwhile, Tripathi played another impressive knock of 76 runs off just 44 balls against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday.
Tripathi was able to make the most of the PowerPlay overs and he was able to hit the ground running against Mumbai Indians. The Maharastra batter scored nine fours and three sixes in his fine knock.
The 31-year-old from Ranchi has scored 393 runs in 13 matches at an average of 39.3 and an impressive strike rate of 161.73 in IPL 2022. Tripathi is known for his selfless batting and mostly plays attacking shots from the get-go.
“I just love his ability to upfront so hard. I think that’s what has been really missing inside the SRH batting line-up. That powerplay is so significant. especially when the wickets are getting slower, so the first 6 overs, you have to make use of it. It was a really good leadership decision as well to get back down the order,” Hayden told Star Sports.
Furthermore, Tripathi has shown good technique while facing the short ball. Hayden feels Tripathi could be a good addition to India’s T20 World Cup squad as the marquee event will take place in Australia. The Australian pitches are well known for their extra bounce and Hayden feels Tripathi can succeed in challenging conditions.
“The way Tripathi took up the responsibility was good to watch. I think he has got some real potential in the future to go all the way at the international level. He is someone that is a dangerous striker of the ball, he can hit both sides of the wicket. In particular, what impresses the most is his ability to play short-pitched bowling.
“I mean, getting to Australia, let’s just take the liberty to say that’s where it is, not saying he will be picked, but he has the game on bouncy wickets,” Hayden added.
Tripathi will look to continue the good show for SRH and one feels he isn’t far away from India call-up. SRH will next face Punjab Kings at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.
