Former Indian batsman and World Cup champion Gautam Gambhir has rejected the suggestion that three left-handed batsmen be added to India’s batting order for the forthcoming Asia Cup and World Cup in 2023, which was made by India’s former head coach Ravi Shastri.
In response to a query regarding the talented batter Tilak Varma, Gambhir referred to the theory as “useless.” While he didn’t specifically mention Shastri, it was the former Indian head coach who had put forward the notion of at least three left-handed players being included in India’s top seven.
“There are three other positions where I think two left-handers have to come in. If you have persisted with Ishan Kishan for the last six to eight months, and he’s going to keep wickets, he comes in, in any case. But, get two left-handers. Including Jaddu, there should be three left-handers in the top seven,” Shastri said during a Star Sports Show.
Shastri also provided an illustration involving Shikhar Dhawan. He pointed out that Dhawan’s injury following a match against Australia in the previous edition of the ODI World Cup had a significant negative impact on India. This was due to the absence of left-handers in the top three positions, which ultimately affected the team’s performance.
Nevertheless, Gautam Gambhir emphasized that the distinction between a left-handed or right-handed player holds no significance. The crux lies in evaluating the player’s current form and the impact they bring to the table when making decisions about team selections for crucial tournaments.
“It is not important whether he is a left-hander or a right-hander. The debate that is going on that we need three left-handers is a completely useless thought. You look at the quality of the player and not how many left-handers you have. A good player whether a right-hander or left-hander will play well in every condition. So if Iyer plays well, or Rahul scores runs then pick them. It’s not necessary to pick left-handers if they are not in form. I don’t think there was any need to even start this left-hander debate. If you wanted left-handers then you have Yashasvi Jaiswal also. You always look at the quality and the form and not the quantity,” Gambhir said.
When asked about the inclusion of Tilak Varma in the team, Gambhir stood behind the decision and affirmed that the young player had earned the opportunity in the upcoming tournament.
“If they have picked Tilak Varma then he should definitely get some games in the Asia Cup. If he scores and plays well than some of the other batters then you should take that punt (for the World Cup),” Gambhir said on Tilak Varma.
Gautam Gambhir on KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer’s Selection
Moreover, Gautam Gambhir emphasized that Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul must rack up runs if they intend to secure spots in the World Cup squad. Otherwise, there are numerous contenders who could take their places in the squad.
“No one is a frontrunner when you aim to win the World Cup. Form is important, impact is important. The ones who are in form should be packed rather than the big names whether it is Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, or anyone. If Tilak Varma or SKY or Ishan Kishan is in better form than them they should be picked. Rohit has said that no one is guaranteed a spot. Iyer and Rahul are returning from injuries but they will need to score runs to get into the World Cup squad,” Gambhir added.
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