Former India captain Kris Srikkanth slammed the Indian selection committee for excluding talented batters like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal from the Indian team in ODIs, despite both scoring a century in the last game they played for the Men in Blue.
Neither of the stars was included in India’s squad for the ongoing three-match ODI series, though Jaiswal was included as a replacement for injured Virat Kohli, while Gaikwad remains with India A in Sri Lanka for the tri-series.
"Ruturaj and Jaiswal must be wondering why they aren't there despite scoring centuries in their last ODI innings. They should at least be in the 15 always and then be told that they are trying x, y, and z. This is where the continuity is missing. You scored a century 3 to 4 months back, and you still get forgotten.
That has to be questioned. The lack of continuity is what's hurting Ruturaj, Jaiswal, or even Sanju Samson. Scoring a century and then being nowhere in the picture is baffling. There needs to be clarity in what they are doing. Ishan Kishan scored a 200 in ODIs a few years back and then didn't play at all,” Srikkanth stated on his YouTube channel.
Ishan Kishan was preferred at the no. 3 spot instead of Kohli and kept wickets in the first ODI.
Shubman Gill, the captain, was praised by Kris Srikkanth for his game-winning century in the first match of the ODI series against Afghanistan in Dharamsala. Gill's driving, which he claims is further enhanced by the Indian surfaces, particularly impressed the former opener.
"He played so effortlessly in the run chase. His drives are extraordinary, which is why he averages so much in India. On Indian pitches, you won't have the extra seam or bounce. It's very convenient for him as he likes the ball coming onto the bat. Even off a good length, he drives the ball so easily and efficiently.
The way he handled Rashid Khan was fantastic. Gill must have gotten used to him after playing him in the nets for GT so much. He smashed Rashid, especially in the midwicket area. But the cover drive is his go-to shot. He is able to adapt beautifully to the knocks in the IPL, then a Test match century, and now an ODI 80-odd,” Srikkanth said.
Shubman Gill made 84* in 66 balls as India chased down the 195-run target with 7 wickets in hand. The second ODI between the two sides will be played in Lucknow on June 17.
