In a stunning reversal of fortune, Team India mounted a sensational comeback in the five-match T20I series against West Indies, securing a commanding 9-wicket victory on a pulsating Saturday. Chasing a target of 179 runs, Indian openers Shubman Gill (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (84*) orchestrated a remarkable 165-run partnership, firmly tilting the scales in favor of the visiting side. Amidst standout bowling performances, Arshdeep Singh’s remarkable three-wicket haul for 38 runs, coupled with Kuldeep Yadav’s frugal economy rate of 6.50, garnered figures of 2/26.
Shubman Gill returns to form
Gill, who had encountered a string of disappointing outings in the first three T20Is of the series, made a resounding return to run-scoring in style during his innings in Lauderhill. Jaiswal, stepping in for the in-form Ishan Kishan, also etched his name in the records by notching up his maiden half-century in the fourth match of the series.
As the dust settles on the West Indies series with just one match remaining, Team India is poised to embark on a new journey, this time to Ireland for a riveting three-match T20I series. However, there are notable omissions from the squad that have caught the attention of cricket pundits and enthusiasts alike. Both Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan will not be part of the squad in Ireland, and former India opener Aakash Chopra has voiced his reservations regarding this decision.
Aakash Chopra dissatisfied with resting Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan
Chopra’s sentiment revolves around the notion that T20Is should be treated with equal seriousness as any other format, and emerging talents like Gill and Kishan should be given ample opportunities to gain experience and showcase their prowess.
“I think we’re not taking T20Is seriously. Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill are not going to Ireland. I can understand people needing breaks. But from now till the T20 World Cup, we have 14 matches. Don’t think about IPL, everyone performs in IPL but that doesn’t mean we would win the World Cup,” expressed Chopra on his official YouTube channel.
Chopra further emphasized the significance of international matches in shaping a player’s growth and preparedness for major tournaments. The former opener’s concerns stem from the potential repercussions of sidelining promising young talents like Kishan and Gill from crucial encounters.
“These are youngsters, they don’t need much rest I believe. You could’ve played against Ireland, your first match in the Asia Cup is in September, you had ample gap. I don’t think anyone’s thinking about it. These are youngsters, they don’t need much rest I believe.”
Both Gill and Ishan Kishan are set to return to the Indian squad for the forthcoming Asia Cup later this month. The continental tournament will witness India crossing swords with arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-octane encounter, as the team strives to further solidify its standing on the global cricket stage.
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