Gautam Gambhir shares his 'permanent openers in T20Is' snubbing Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul

Team India finished their home ODI series against Sri Lanka on 15 January 2023. After winning the T20I series, the Men in Blue managed to win the ODI series also. So, Rohit Sharma and his men managed to kick off the new year with two huge series wins. However, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul were not a part of the squad in the T20I series.

Now, they will not play the upcoming T20I series against the Kiwis again. KL Rahul has taken a rest due to some family commitments. So, many young players like Prithvi Shaw have received a call-up for the series. Now, the former India cricketer, Gautam Gambhir came up with his preferred openers in T20Is while he snubbed both Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.  

“Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan should be your permanent openers in T20Is” - Gautam Gambhir

During the conversation with Star Sports before the start of the third and final ODI match of the India-Sri Lanka series, Gambhir said that Prithvi Shaw should be given a longer run in the shortest format of the game. He also hailed Shaw’s explosive batting abilities while opening an inning.

Gautam Gambhir said: “He shouldn’t have been out anyway as whenever he has got an opportunity, he has given India that kind of an explosive start. He is the right guy. He, Ishan Kishan, and Suryakumar Yadav perfectly fit the template India keeps talking about. Now that you have picked Shaw, persist with him. Don’t judge him by every series. He is young, he is explosive and he is a match-winner. So pick him in the playing XI and give him a longer run.”

He also added that Shubman Gill needs to focus on the 50-over and Test format only rather than in the T20 format for team India. “Shubman Gill needs to concentrate on Test and ODI cricket. Prithvi Shaw and Ishan Kishan should be your permanent openers in T20Is,” Gautam Gambhir concluded.