Former India batsman Robin Uthappa has named his starting XI for India’s first T20I against New Zealand in Jaipur today (November 17). The 36-year-old has suggested that Ruturaj Gaikwad, a new batting star and another CSK colleague, bat at No. 3.
Due to his outstanding performance in the IPL 2021 and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Uthappa believes Gaikwad should be a natural fit for the Indian team.
He relied on skipper Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to open the innings. Ruturaj Gaikwad was then selected to bat at No. 3 and continue his excellent form.
“I would keep the same opening pair, because I don’t want to disturb that because we have another World Cup coming in 11 months. So I will stick with skipper Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul. At No.3 I will pick Ruturaj Gaikwad because he’s been a prolific run-scorer not just in the IPL, but also for his domestic side in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So I feel that he should walk in straightaway in this Indian side. He may not open for the side but should play at No.3.” Uthappa said
Kolkata Knight Riders
The former Kolkata Knight Riders batsman then chose Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav for Nos. 4 and 5, respectively. Uthappa lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s adaptability in the batting order while complimenting Iyer’s ability to hold one end up responsibly. In the No. 6 place, he chose Rishabh Pant as his goalie.
“At No.4, I will pick Shreyas Iyer, he’s clearly someone who takes responsibility and holds one end up. At No. 5 I’ll go with Suryakumar Yadav. SKY because one of the most important thing about him is his flexibility to bat anywhere in the batting order. I would pick Rishabh Pant after that, simply because he’ll be India’s finisher in the next World Cup,” said Uthappa.
Uthappa went with five proper bowlers in the bowling department, a mix of two spinners and three quicks. Ravichandran Ashwin was chosen as the No. 7 pick by the former goalkeeper. Harshal Patel, the IPL Purple Cap winner in 2021, was then picked as his first seamer.
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