ZIM vs IND 2022: Don’t see Shubman Gill opening in the series – Robin Uthappa picks India’s openers

India’s veteran batsman Robin Uthappa reckons Shubman Gill will not open the innings in the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Gill had opened the innings with Shikhar Dhawan in the three-match ODI series against the West Indies.

The youngster scored 205 runs in three ODI matches at an average of 102.50 against the Windies. The right-hander from Punjab top-scored with 98 runs in the third ODI and batted at the top of his game throughout the series. Gill had provided perfect starts to his team while opening the innings with captain Shikhar Dhawan.

However, as KL Rahul has made a return to the team, Uthappa feels the Indian captain will open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan. The CSK batter believes Shubman Gill will get a chance to bat at number three against Zimbabwe.

Robin Uthappa said while talking to Sony in a media interaction, “I actually don’t see Shubman opening in the series. My personal feeling is that he might bat at No. 3, given how well he has performed in West Indies. I think the team management is keeping a couple of things in mind. One is the T20 World Cup coming up, and the second is the 50-over World Cup.”

Uthappa feels it will be important for KL Rahul, who is making a return to competitive cricket after three months, to get crucial game time under his belt before the all-important Asia Cup.

“For me, Shikhar will open the batting along with KL Rahul because KL is playing after about a 90-day break, after the IPL. It’s important that KL gets some time under his wings.

“We have the Asia Cup coming up in 10 days’ time. You want him to be up and ready for that. And, that could chart the roadmap for his form personally, leading up to the World Cup. We know what KL Rahul can do when he is fit and in the groove,” he added.

Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan was earlier named as the captain for the three-match series against Zimbabwe. However, when KL Rahul cleared the fitness test, he was named as the skipper while Dhawan was demoted to the vice-captaincy role.

Asked about leadership change, Uthappa said, “We have had a number of captains over the last five-six series. Obviously, they are looking at longevity. I am sure that’s the communication that’s gone through to Shikhar and Rahul as well. He becomes one of the options for future captains.

“There are a lot of other guys who can put their hands up. Hardik’s (Pandya) there, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and you throw Rahul into that mix. We will have a problem of plenty in the near future,” the 37-year-old further said.