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As the countdown to the T20 World Cup 2024 intensifies, the spotlight falls on India’s selection dilemma, particularly regarding the opening partnership. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli‘s positions already secure in the top order, the battle for the second opener’s slot has captured attention, pitting Shubman Gill against Yashasvi Jaiswal in a quest for the perfect combination.
Selection dilemma: Shubman Gill vs Yashasvi Jaiswal
Amid murmurs indicating the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)‘s inclination towards seasoned campaigners for the ICC tournament, Gill and Jaiswal emerged as focal points in the selection discourse. Jay Shah, the BCCI’s honorary secretary, has already appointed Rohit as India’s skipper, leaving one spot up for grabs in the opening department.
Eoin Morgan’s choice for the T20 World Cup 2024
Eoin Morgan, the former England captain, weighed in on this intriguing debate, suggesting that Gill and Jaiswal are the prime contenders for the role. Morgan, speaking on Jio Cinema, leaned towards Gill, highlighting his stellar form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
“Shubman Gill’s a magnificent player and highly regarded, not just here, but around the world, for me has to be a contender to be on the plane, let alone get in that strongest XI and when it comes to contending for batting positions, in that six or seven batters that they might take given the all around us that they have, it does come up to probably him or Yashasvi Jaiswal. And not a case of him against Virat Kohli. For me, Virat Kohli is there already,” Morgan said.
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Form and leadership
Gill’s consistency, amassing 263 runs in 7 matches, contrasts starkly with Jaiswal’s struggles, managing a mere 121 runs for Rajasthan Royals (RR) from an equal number of outings. This downturn in form for Jaiswal, following his remarkable exploits in the previous season, underscores the volatility of cricketing fortunes. Moreover, Morgan emphasized Gill’s additional responsibility as captain of the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL, suggesting it could further enrich his batting prowess.
“So I mean, he’s doing everything he can. He’s managing his own game. He’s recognising the responsibilities as captain and also the fact that they’re two separate entities. I think that will help him learn more as a captain, moving forward and also aid his game as well. So for me, he’s in contention with Yashasvi,” the 37-year-old concluded.
