India tour of NZ: India are all set for a T20I rejig following their disappointing loss to England in the semi-final. A next-generation team is all set to take over for the T20 WC in 2024 and the openers spot is one of fierce competition. As many as four will be in contention for a place against New Zealand including regular faces Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, while Shubman Gill could also make his debut. Follow IND vs NZ LIVE and India vs NewZealand updates on Insidesport.IN
India tour of NZ: VVS Laxman faces selection conundrum, 4-way battle for opener’s spot as Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant headline T20 shake up – Check out
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan was India’s backup opener in the 2021 T20 World Cup. He was also the highest-ranked India batter before being leapfrogged by the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Virat Kohli. The swashbuckling left-hander will be one of the preferred options given his ability and record, having done fairly well in his short international career so far.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill has received his maiden call up to the Indian side for T20Is. The opening batsman made a name for himself in ODIs before earning a way into the shortest format of the game. Gill excelled in the IPL, with a team-leading 483 runs in 2022 to help Gujarat Titans to the title. The 23-year-old could very well follow in the mould of KL Rahul, playing the anchor’s role at the top of the order.
India tour of NZ: VVS Laxman faces selection conundrum, 4-way battle for opener’s spot as Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant headline T20 shake up – Check out
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is one of the biggest names to benefit should the T20 rejig be set in motion. Always on the fringes of the team, the Rajasthan Royals captain had a fine 2022, scoring runs on his international return. He also had his career-best IPL season, scoring 458 runs at a staggering strike rate of 146.79. Comfortable against pace, Samson can exploit the field restrictions early and get India off to flying starts, something they desperately missed in the T20 World Cup.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant was tried as an opener experimentally before the T20 World Cup, but the left-hander has not shown much promise at the top of the order. However, given his growing stature in the team and his ability to strike the ball cleanly, Pant could be given a longer rope at the top of the order. The 25-year-old has suffered due to a lack of clarity over his role, and the Delhi Capitals could very well see that change in the coming months.
India tour of NZ: VVS Laxman faces selection conundrum, 4-way battle for opener’s spot as Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant headline T20 shake up – Check out
Editors pick
