New Delhi: With veteran batters like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane ruled out of the Test series against Sri Lanka. The Indian batting order was seen in a completely new style in the recently-concluded series against the Lankan Lions in Mohali.
While Hanuma Vihari came out to bat at number 3 in Mohali and star batsman Shreyas Iyer took the role of Rahane’s number five. While young Shubman Gill could not find a place in the playing XI.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has recently opened up on team India’s recent batting order changes in Test cricket. Where Gavaskar preferred Mayank Agarwal over Shubhman Gill as according to him Mayank bats like a boss in India, and Gill has been also away from the game off late.
“In the last two months, he (Gill) hasn’t played any sort of cricket.” He didn’t even participate in the Ranji Trophy, so if you want to play for India, you’ll need some sort of preparation. Without a doubt, he possesses the necessary talent. But, in the end, form is important,” Gavaskar stated.
Mayank has been in and out of the Indian Test team since making his debut in 2018. The right-handed opening batter was chosen in the absence of vice-captain KL Rahul, was seen in a good form recently in red-ball cricket. He has amassed only 33 runs.
“If you look closely, Mayank Agarwal is always a big scorer in India’s home series.” In India, he bats like a boss, but he doesn’t score runs in other countries. He has at least one huge hundred or a double century in the home series. As a result, he should undoubtedly open,” he added.
The veteran batting maestro encouraged Vihari and Iyer to stay in the top order. Vihari had utilized most of the opportunities he got in the top order, by playing a knock of 58 and was also involved in an important 90-run partnership with Virat Kohli.
“Hanuma Vihari sits at No. 3 on the list. What went wrong with him? In the one opportunity he had in South Africa, he calmed the tail and batted defiantly, adding runs to India’s second innings. As a result, he should be given opportunities,” Gavaskar concluded.
The Indian Cricket Team will next play against Sri Lanka in the final Test of the two-match pink-ball Test starting from March 12 in Bangalore.
