The debate over India’s opening pair for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 is gaining steam. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been India’s first-choice openers in ODIs this year. Now, the former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has also given his opinion on the matter.
Both looked solid as starting partners during the home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand earlier in the year. And while the two appear poised to open the innings in the next main event, many still believe veteran hitter Shikhar Dhawan should be given another chance.
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Shikhar Dhawan has not played for India since December last year. Shubman Gill was promoted as starter after Dhawan’s hack and the youngster seized the opportunity with both hands. Dhawan, however, has the experience and an impressive track record in ICC events on his side. Many believe that having an experienced top-tier hitter like Dhawan would be a good fit for the team in the World Cup.
Aakash Chopra on India’s opening pair for ICC World Cup 2023:
While only time will tell who opens the tickets for Team India in the upcoming World Cup, former India opener Aakash Chopra has revealed his preferred pick. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer turned commentator began by saying that Rohit Sharma is a guaranteed starter.
Aakash Chopra lavished praise on Rohit, noting that the India captain is only a few runs away from entering the 10,000-run club. As of now, Rohit has scored 9825 runs at an average of 48.63 in 243 ODIs. Aakash Chopra also highlighted Rohit’s performance at the last World Cup where he broke a record five centuries.
“Let’s start with the captain. Take his name and the debate is over. The player’s name is Rohit Sharma. Interestingly, he is not far from the 10,000 run mark. We haven’t celebrated it enough, which is across the board a mistake.” Aakash Chopra said.
“He is an absolute legend of the white ball, but he has not been the center of discussion or attraction. What was the reason for that? I’m not going there at all, but the truth is that Rohit Sharma is a runaway winner.”
“In the last World Cup he scored five centuries but despite that India did not win. So it wasn’t his mistake, he scored a lot of runs and that too in England. So Rohit Sharma is the captain and the opener, so he’s definitely there.” added.
Speaking further, Aakash Chopra snubbed Dhawan and said Gill will be Rohit’s World Cup starting partner.
“Along with him, the other player is Shubman Gill. There’s not much room for debate there as well, although we can do it for the sake of it. There may be a debate on Test Cricket, but there is no debate here at the moment. So Shubman Gill is also a certainty. You will see that both open. said the commentator.
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