IND vs ZIM: Recently, the two greats of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, retired from the shortest format of the game after their World Cup triumph. In the current ongoing series against Zimbabwe, India has replaced its veterans with some youngsters to follow.
Shubman Gill has been placed as India’s skipper in the absence of Rohit Sharma and the senior pros like Pant and Pandya. However, alongside captaincy, India’s major concern is who will be the perfect choice of batters to fill in the shoes of the two veterans.
These two greats have been great servants to Indian cricket, as they have contributed to over 8000+ runs in international T20s. Ruturaj Gaikwad, Chennai Super Kings’ major find over the last few editions of the IPL, has been the go-to option as a replacement for Virat Kohli.
Even Gaikwad has been responsible enough to have the courage and determination to fit into such a role. With Virat Kohli being one of the most consistent performers for India for over a decade in the shortest format, it will be tough for Gaikwad to immediately suit his high standards, yet the orthodox batter has a similar stride to take up his role in the Men in Blue squad.
With Yeshasvi Jaiswal or Abhishek Sharma, India has set its choices for the second opening role. But the legacy that has been delivered by Rohit Sharma—that the new Indian skipper is worth enough to replace him—remains a concern for India.
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Rohit Sharma has batted to score around 4231 in international T20s. Gill, being one of the most promising young talents of modern cricket, might not be awestruck by this; however, what adds to concern is that Rohit, while opening for India, has always batted at a strike rate others have never thought of.
Just like a departing David Warner from the T20Is for Australia, the Aussies will need someone who can score equally quick runs in the format. Though they have not faced many challenges, with the likes of Jake Fraser-McGurk and Travis Head, the Men in Yellow might still be equally efficient at scoring quick runs in the format for years to come.
Gill, on the other hand, has always been criticized for his lack of prowess to hit quick runs, as even in his last innings of 66 against the Zimbabwe side, he has failed to produce quick runs striking at just 130+. Unlike Virat’s replacement, for whom India needs consistency, to replace the departing Indian skipper, the new Indian coach would look to settle with someone who has a similar work rate and striking power.
Undoubtedly, Gill might be seen shepherding the Indian batting unit shortly; however, the shortest format of the game has been the ring of command for the departing Indian skipper and Shubman Gill’s playing style might not be considered one of the most suitable ways to replace such a big player.