In the IPL, the form of Indias two premier batsman Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli was below par and both have taken breaks to be fresh for the big challenge in England.
Also KL Rahul got injured and was ruled out of the series. In their absence both Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad have grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Ishan Kishan the pocket Dynamo has had scores of 76, 34 and 54 at a strike rate of more than 150. Ruturaj Gaikwad too had two decent outings scoring 57 and 24 at strike rate of 155 plus.
Both the batsman have laid the foundation in giving starts of 57 and 97 in the two games out of the three where India scored 211 in the first game and 179 in the second game. Both play seam and spin bowling very well and the right hand and left hand combinations has clicked well as openers for team India.
Now what does the team management do when the big boys like captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Kl Rahul are back. Mind you Rohit Sharma did not score a single half century in the IPL for the first time in his career and looked woefully out of form. Indias other Premier batsman Virat Kohli scored three ducks and was not at it’s fluent best and his strike rate was below 120. Both are slow starters and take their time in getting of the blocks and have a similar style of getting in before they go for the big shots.
They have the experience of playing big games but would India go for experience or two fearless openers. And don’t forget one is the captain so will India take the bold step of leaving them out. India won it’s first World Cup in South Africa when MS Dhoni took a young Indian side and won them that World Cup. Ms Dhoni became a overnight hero and rest is history. India has not won a T20 world cup with the big boys in their last six attempts after that first win in 2007. Can India management take the bold step of leaving the two big boys out and play with a young fearless team who do not carry an excess baggage and can express themselves in the shortest format. Looks a long shot , but like the T20 format, no risk no gain.
