IND vs SL: With the squads awaited today, many recent speculations have stated that Gambhir has urged the former Indian skipper to be a part of his first outing as an international coach; however, nothing has been reverted back by either Rohit Sharma or veteran batter Virat Kohli.
Rohit led India to a famous T20 World Cup victory in the US, ending their years of trophy drought in World Cups. After their triumph, both the veterans, Rohit and Virat, pulled the curtains on their splendorous T20I careers. Alongside retiring from the shortest format of the game, the two have asked for some time off from international duty from the BCCI.
However, first, it was largely anticipated that India would not have their veterans playing in the Sri Lanka tour in the ODIs; however, Gambhir, after being appointed as the head coach, has requested both the legendary batters to be a part of the ODI squad in Sri Lanka.
If Rohit is picked for the Sri Lanka tour, what opening combinations can Gambhir try alongside the Indian skipper at one end?
Gambhir’s possible option to try for Opening partners in ODIs
3. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma
The same old duo—we have seen these two opening for India since Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the Indian side. Gill rose to prominence at the end of 2022, when he played unstoppable hands against New Zealand and other teams. After a stunning season with the Titans in the IPL, Gill was picked for India’s opening spot alongside Rohit Sharma.
However, Gill has not been able to meet the expectations of his selectors and was dropped from the Indian side in the shortest format, and though Gambhir might give him a chance alongside Rohit, it would only be an opportunity for the youngster to prove his worth in the format.
2. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rohit Sharma
India has now finally seen the bright prospects in Gaikwad, and if not now, then it would be late, as the 27-year-old is in fine form and is mature enough to open in the format alongside the skipper.
Rohit, who is often known as a batsman who likes to play his shorts, does need a batsman who is composed and mature enough to keep the scoreboard ticking. The CSK skipper is praised by even the new Indian coach and is seen to be an all-format cricketer for the Men in Blue.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma
Jaiswal, one of the finest young talents in the entire world of cricket, has already been picked as a constant for India’s test as well as the T20I squad. The player who has made quite an impact in his List A career domestically, scoring a great double hundred as well, is yet to feature for the Men in Blue in the one-day format.
However, with Gambhir often seen with his aggressive mindset when it comes to batting, especially in the powerplay, he might look to feature the youngster with Rohit, as both can put immense pressure on the bowlers from both ends with their high-quality shots and intent to score at a higher rate.
Gambhir might be trying either or combinations, with the presence of Rohit Sharma; however, nothing is confirmed till the squad for India’s tour of Sri Lanka is announced.
