Asia Cup 2023: As the 2023 Asia Cup heats up, Team India faces a unique dilemma ahead of its do-or-die clash against Nepal. The match is set to be a high-stakes affair at Pallekele Stadium, with the winner advancing to the Super Four. Adding to the drama, the forecast shows an 89% chance of rain, which could complicate the scenario even further. However, should the match face a washout, India will go through with two points from the group stage.
Interestingly, India will be playing its first international game against Nepal, a team that suffered a crushing 238-run defeat against Pakistan in their opening game. On the flip side, India had to share a point with Pakistan due to rain interference. Consequently, both teams are desperate for a win, making this encounter even more compelling.
While the core of the Indian team remains constant, the forced absence of star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned to Mumbai for the birth of his first child, has sparked discussions on his potential replacement. Mohammed Shami and Prasidh Krishna are the most likely candidates. Nevertheless, India’s captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid seem content with the playing XI and are unlikely to make changes apart from this enforced one.
Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir, however, has recommended a shake-up in the batting order. Speaking to Star Sports, Gambhir praised young batsman Ishan Kishan’s recent performance against Pakistan. Kishan, batting at No. 5, scored an impressive 82 off 81 balls. Gambhir argues that due to his excellent form, Kishan should open the innings with Shubman Gill. Following them could be either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli.
Asia Cup 2023: Gautam Gambhir wants Ishan Kishan to open for India
Gambhir emphasizes that young players should bat in positions where they feel most comfortable. He pointed out Kishan’s recent ODI double century as an opener, along with three consecutive fifties in the previous tour, as evidence for his recommendation.
This suggestion certainly adds a layer of intrigue to India’s strategy for the upcoming match. The top order will be looking to bounce back after struggling against Pakistan’s potent pace attack led by Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf. Furthermore, given KL Rahul’s injury-prone history, India might be considering keeping Kishan as a versatile option at No. 5 as well.
“I feel Ishan should have opened for India with Shubman Gill. Now if Rohit wants to play at No. 3 then he can, then Kohli will be at No. 4 or the opposite. You should always allow a youngster to play at his most comfortable position. Yes you can debate that Rohit and Gill are a more settled opening pair, with Kohli usually playing at No. 3 and Shreyas Iyer at 4. But look at the form that Ishan Kishan is in right now. He has a 200 in ODIs, has scored three fifties in a row while opening in the previous tour,” he said.
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As the clock ticks down to this pivotal encounter, numerous questions remain. Will India heed Gambhir’s advice and shuffle their batting order? Can they adapt to Nepal’s unknowns and secure a win? How will the team adjust to Bumrah’s absence? With so much at stake and uncertainties galore, the India-Nepal showdown promises to be a riveting chapter in Asia Cup 2023’s unfolding drama.
