Having observed Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh from close quarters as an assistant coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders, Abhishek Nayar has backed the duo to be at the forefront of the team’s journey through the transition.
While Gill has already showcased his immense potential at the highest level, Rinku will get his chance during India’s T20I tour to Ireland later this month.
“I have absolutely no doubt about their tremendous potential. With the amount of competition in cricket these days, it is not easy to get opportunities and they need to maximise the chances that come their way. Yes, it’s all about that mental push,” Nayar told PTI.
Gill has not delivered in the manner he was expected to be in the ongoing series against West Indies. In fact, the right-hander got out to spinners four times in six innings during this series.
However, Nayar isn’t reading too much into it and backed Gill to do well in the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.
“I am not worried about Shubman as he has got a strong base and culture. It’s tough for a young cricketer to play so much cricket and be that consistent. You need to cut him some slack and say that he’s going to fail.”
“He’s playing in the West Indies, not the easiest of conditions for batting low-scoring games. This experience is going to make him better. I think he’s going to have a terrific World Cup,” said Nayar.
Nayar urged the selectors to give a long rope to Rinku keeping in mind his ability to smash bowlers while batting at No 6.
“There’s a possibility that he may take a little more time (to adapt to international cricket), you know, because of his upbringing. But he is a terrific player. Anyone who averages 60 in First-Class cricket, 50 in List A and 30 in T20 is a terrific player,” he said.
There are very few players in Indian cricket who can do what Rinku is doing on a consistent basis at No. 6 in domestic cricket.
“So, I would love to have a long rope for him and, hopefully, the selectors will keep faith in him. Rinku is also someone who will add so much value to the team with his overall attitude,” said Nayar.
Nayar feels Venkatesh Iyer could also play a key role for India in the coming days, stating that he could be the supportive all-rounder for Hardik Pandya.
“Unfortunately, he suffered an injury last year. In terms of the future, he is a very versatile player. You’ve seen him bat up the order, down the order and he can give you some overs as well.
“He’s someone who can adapt very quickly because of the amount of intelligence and smartness he possesses,” Nayar remarked.
Venkatesh Iyer has been picked as a standby player in the Indian squad for the Asian Games, and Nayar reckons that will boost the confidence of the left-hander.
“It’s all about feeling part of that team environment. I feel he is on an upward curve as a cricketer. He’s at that phase where, you know, needs to just keep going and just keep believing in his art all over again,” said Nayar.
(With PTI Inputs)
