Team India will have to freeze its opening combination at the earliest for next year’s 2023 ODI World Cup. While Rohit Sharma is confirmed to take one of the spots, the other slot is still open. Going forward, this will be the subplot in each of the ODI that India plays. On that note, here, we take a look at three Indian players who might compete with each other to become India’s opener for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
1) Shikhar Dhawan
A few months ago, Shikhar Dhawan was leading the race to partner Rohit Sharma at the top. However, the veteran has been in poor form for a while now. The Delhi cricketer failed to do well against Bangladesh, which has further put his position at risk.
Most importantly, Dhawan’s strike rate is an issue. With Rohit Sharma also struggling, India cannot afford two similar players in the top order. Players with intent are needed and India has already learnt a costly lesson with the 2022 T20 World Cup. Nevertheless, Dhawan will still be in the race.
2) Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is one of the Indian players who might compete with each other to become India’s opener for the 2023 ODI World Cup. In 15 matches so far, Gill has scored 687 runs at an average of 57 and a strike rate close to 100.
The Punjab opener appears to have cracked the ODI format and his record, so far, proves the same. Gill does well against spin, which is necessary for any batter in India. Therefore, Gill will also be in contention for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
3) Ishan Kishan
I cannot put into words what I’m feeling right now but I’ll try. I’m overwhelmed by the love, the messages, the wishes. This is an innings that will stay in my heart forever, a day that I won’t forget, and these moments that I’ll always carry with me. Thank you for everything 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xlNzuWxA4w
Advertisement— Ishan Kishan (@ishankishan51) December 10, 2022
Ishan Kishan has always been in contention but, till now, he did not have that attention-grabbing performance. Against Bangladesh in the 3rd ODI, Kishan scored a double hundred, which has now given him a good chance to become India’s permanent ODI opener.
Kishan is a southpaw and would complement Rohit at the top. He is also a wicketkeeper, which would further give flexibility to the team. The Jharkhand man must prove his consistency and if he can do that, the opening slot can become his.
