As the present T20I series between India and the West Indies continues, RP Singh believes Shubman Gill and Ishan Kishan’s batting poses a challenge for India.
In the second Twenty20 International, played in Guyana on Sunday, August 6, Gill and Kishan scored seven and 27 runs, respectively, as the Men in Blue established a 153-run goal for the Windies. With two wickets and seven deliveries remaining, the home team prevailed and now leads the five-match series 2-0.
When challenged about India’s lack of a courageous attitude in their batting during a conversation on JioCinema, RP Singh replied:
I believe that the Indian batting order should be slightly concerned about the opening pair’s hitting. They don’t seem too confident based on the manner they are hitting. The opening duo will need to further examine their strategy.
The former Indian seamer made note of Gill’s use of a few errant strokes on Sunday. He clarified:
If we’re talking about Shubman Gill, he made several shots and lost because he likely didn’t perceive the ball’s line at all. The ball went past point despite his attempts to smash straight and with forceful hands.
Both of the openers mistimed the ball, according to RP Singh. He noticed:
Ishan Kishan makes a strong effort to strike the ball. However, neither batter is able to accurately strike the ball. We didn’t do too well on the powerplay. We were unable to score runs and also lost wickets. Additionally lacking was the self-assurance needed to move your feet and play the drive.
On Sunday, India only scored 34 runs in the powerplay overs despite losing two wickets. While Gill attempted to play a huge shot and was caught by the third man, Suryakumar Yadav was run out after Kishan beckoned him for a daring single.
Sanju Samson had a chance to shine here as well, but he was unable to. RP Singh
Sanju Samson’s missed opportunity has disappointed RP Singh, but he believes Hardik Pandya has changed his strategy. He stated:
Sanju Samson also had a chance here, but he was unable to do very well. Tilak Varma played effectively in the field and was eventually bowled out by a left-arm spinner. I believe Hardik Pandya has altered his approach.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator believes the Indian captain is playing a bit more carefully and is going out before taking advantage of the final few overs. He declared:
“He may be making an effort to assume a bit more responsibility and play through to the end in order to play the big shots in the 19th or 20th over, but he is not succeeding. Axar Patel was equally powerless.”
Samson attempted a reckless hoick but was stumped by Akeal Hosein’s bowling after scoring a run-a-ball seven. Alzarri Joseph struck Pandya with a yorker on the final ball of the 18th over after he had amassed 24 runs off of 18 balls.
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