After India's comprehensive series win against Zimbabwe, where Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed exceptional form, former chief selector Saba Karim has advised the management to keep both as opening options for the upcoming T20I and ODI matchups against Sri Lanka.
Karim urged Gautam Gambhir and the team management to give Abhishek Sharma an opportunity, noting that with Pant and Suryakumar Yadav likely occupying the middle order (No. 3 and 4), the strategy revolves around the top order. He expressed that while Gill and Jaiswal are essential, Sharma provides valuable depth and should at least be included in the wider squad.
The final selection will hinge on the synergy between the captain and head coach Gautam Gambhir and their long-term strategy for the team. With several contenders like Ruturaj Gaikwad fighting for a spot, the competition for top-order positions is becoming increasingly intense, he added.
This series marks the debut assignment for Gautam Gambhir as head coach and will feature a new captain, as Hardik Pandya is unavailable following the 2024 T20 World Cup victory. Meanwhile, India's reserve side capped off their dominant run in Zimbabwe with a 42-run win in the fifth T20I at Harare Sports Club, sealing the series 4-1.