India is set for their final T20I assignment in the leadup to the 2024 T20 World Cup, a home series against Afghanistan. Which player should India choose for their opening Twenty20 international match against Afghanistan: Shubman Gill or Yashasvi Jaiswal?
With Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav ruled out due to injuries, the hosts have enough depth to cover the absence and are bolstered by the return of senior figures Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
The selection process is trickier with Kohli at No.3 and the competition narrowing down to between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill for the top order slot alongside Rohit Sharma.
Which player should India choose for their opening Twenty20 international match
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill recently opened the innings together during the three-match series against South Africa and were paired at the top during the tour of Caribbean in July 2023.
Jaiswal has showcased his innate aggression and has a T20I career strike rate of 160, a touch better than Shubman Gill’s 145 in a similar number of appearances so far. Gill has struggled in overseas conditions and has shown that he is a dangerous batter once set but has not been able to negotiate the early moments at the crease well.
Team India has incorporated left-handed batters into the playing XI more than ever, and with Rohit Sharma claiming one end, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the only other left-handed option at the top.
Even Kohli, who has played the anchoring role, will be encouraged to get going from the start, giving greater responsibility to the middle and lower middle order. A home series against Afghanistan can also be seen as an excellent opportunity to get players like Gill back into form.
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