Surprise! Shubman Gill’s New Opening Partner for Zimbabwe T20Is Isn’t Ruturaj Gaikwad

Cricket fans were buzzing with anticipation as India geared up for their three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, but one question remained: who would open alongside Shubman Gill? The usual suspect, Ruturaj Gaikwad, was conspicuously absent from the squad, sparking a flurry of speculation.

And the answer, revealed on the eve of the first T20I, was a surprise: Ishan Kishan!

The young wicketkeeper-batter, known for his explosive hitting and big-hitting prowess, last opened in a T20I against Sri Lanka in January 2023. Since then, he’s mostly played the finisher role, but the Zimbabwe series seems to be presenting him with a fresh opportunity.

Why this could be a smart move:

• Ishan’s firepower: Ishan has a strike rate of over 140 in T20Is, proving he can provide a blistering start. He can be a real asset in the powerplay overs, especially against a Zimbabwe bowling attack that might be lacking in experience.

• Gill’s consistency: Gill has been in exceptional form, scoring a century in the ODI series against Zimbabwe and solidifying his position as a key player in the Indian batting line-up. Having him at the top with Ishan’s power could be a formidable combination.

• Resting Gaikwad: This could be a strategic move to rest Ruturaj Gaikwad, allowing him to be fresh for the upcoming Asia Cup.

This move certainly adds an intriguing dimension to India’s batting approach. While fans will miss Gaikwad’s presence, they can look forward to seeing the explosive duo of Gill and Ishan set the stage ablaze in the first T20I.

Will this new opening pair deliver the goods? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: the Zimbabwe series is shaping up to be an exciting spectacle!