The Indian cricket team is heading to Zimbabwe for a three-game ODI series starting August 18 at the Harare Sports Club, their first limited-overs visit to the country in six years. KL Rahul is expected to open the batting now that he has recovered from his injury, while Shubman Gill has kept his place in the squad thanks to his impressive form during the West Indies tour.
Since the squad already features veteran openers Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul, there is plenty of speculation about where Shubman Gill will fit into the lineup. Former Indian cricketer Devang Gandhi believes the management may decide to play Gill at the number three spot.
As a former national selector, Devang Gandhi feels that the Indian team management is doing a great job of mentoring Gill. Following his standout performances in the Caribbean, Gandhi suggests that the current strategy is to ensure players can handle various roles in the batting order. Consequently, he believes the Zimbabwe series is the perfect opportunity for Gill to take over the number three position.
Gandhi emphasized that the number three spot is a vital part of the top order; in some cases, a player there might face the second ball of the match, making it very similar to opening. He concludes that once KL Rahul regains his match fitness and rhythm, he will likely move back to the middle order, leaving Gill well-prepared in the top order for the 2023 ODI World Cup.