Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir believes Team India could find itself in trouble if Rahul Dravid’s side fails to find a replacement for one their top performers during the ICC World Cup 2023. A new Team India was launched by stand-in skipper Hardik Paandya with an impressive win against Sri Lanka at Wankhede Stadium on Tuesday.
Rohit Sharma’s deputy in limited overs cricket A, white-ball wizard Pandya was promoted to the role of captain for the T20I series opener. The hosts won by two runs . ll-rounder Pandya, who replaced KL Rahul in the team’s opener as vice-captain for Team India, is widely expected to succeed veteran opener Rohit and become the next captain the Men In Blue.
Gambhir, a former Indian opener, suggested that India should have a backup player for Pandya’s rapid rise in white-ball cricket. Gambhir stated that India must quickly find a backup for Hardik. If he is injured, India will be in serious trouble.” The T20I series decider will be played at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, where Sri Lanka will face Team India led by Pandya.
Two-time World Cup winner Gambhir also stated that Team India’s veteran campaigners should continue to be keen to play ODI cricket during the World Cup year. Gambhir believes that players can prioritize ODI cricket and take a break in 2023 from the shortest format to manage their workload.
“The core group should focus on ODIs this year. People who play all three formats can take a break if they wish. But they cannot take a break from T20 cricket. They must play together – I believe the biggest mistake Indian cricket made in the last two World Cups was that they [the core players] have not played enough cricket together [in the lead-up to the World Cups].” Gambhir said.
