New Delhi: Former India opener Gautam Gambhir has slammed Virat Kohli’s decision for dropping Suryakumar Yadav from the playing XI in the third T20I against England.
After years of impressive show in domestic cricket, Suryakumar was finally handed his India debut in the second T20I against England but only to get dropped in the next match. His exclusion came as a shock to many. As the 30-year-old didn’t even get a chance to prove his worth with the bat.
Gambhir advised the team-management to ‘at least look at someone’ who is in the setup. “It amazes me, seven months before the World Cup he starts preparing for World Cup and probably after the World Cup he will start preparing for the next World Cup. It really doesn’t matter, the kind of form you are in matters,” Gambhir was quoted as saying to Cricinfo.
“Imagine if there is an injury issue, what have you seen of Suryakumar Yadav, what have you seen of Suryakumar Yadav in international cricket.” He also urged the team-management to give Suryakumar at least 3-4 games before taking a decision on his place in the team.
“I hope nobody gets injured but if there is an injury case and somebody needs to bat at number 4 and number 5. For example, there has to be a replacement for Shreyas Iyer, who are you gonna go for,” said Gambhir.
“So at least look at someone whom you have got into the setup. Probably give him that ‘opportunity in three or four games and see where he stands. If he delivers, you have got a backup for someone already batting at number four. If you get someone play him in that series and see what he is giving in the future.
“We keep talking about preparations but this is just no preparation for the World Cup. It’s just about looking at the same players what you have seen for so many years,” Gambhir added.
