Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has called for the inclusion of some youngsters in India’s T20I squad. Uthappa, who was a vital part of the Men in Blue’s only T20 World Cup title in 2007, reckoned names of few batters and bowlers with little international experience who should be given more opportunities to earn a spot in the eleven ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Notably, India faced a crushing 10-wicket defeat from England in the recently-concluded T20 World Cup semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Throughout the tournament, India’s conservative batting approach was pointed out by many experts, who stated that the pattern in which India is playing at the moment will not stand.
Reacting after India’s loss in the semis, Uthappa observed that in order to secure the future, the selectors should invest in youngsters. He suggested for the inclusion of Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi in the national T20I side.
“There’s certainly room for youngsters now. There are a few gaps to fill in T20 cricket as far as finishers are concerned, and they may have to look to the future in that sense,” Uthappa wrote in his exclusive column for ICC Media Zone.
“I’d love to see Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi in this side. They are both very exciting, very good young players,” he added.
Uthappa admitted there won’t be too many changes in the India squad building up to the 2023 World Cup. He also advised to pick Umran Malik and Deepak Hooda to strengthen the fast bowler and all-rounder categories.
“On the bowling side, I’d like to see Umran Malik and Deepak Hooda get an opportunity. That said, I don’t think there will be too many changes in personnel for the 2023 Cricket World Cup on home soil,” Uthappa added further.
