India took a comfortable 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Ireland at the Malahide Cricket Club ground in Dublin on Sunday, winning by 7 wickets following a strong all-round display. However, despite how well the unit worked together, former India batter Aakash Chopra believes they now have the choice to play around with personnel ahead of the second T20I at Castle Avenue.
One of the bigger talking points would be Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fitness: while he was chosen for the first T20I, he didn’t bat due to a calf injury. While captain Hardik Pandya said it was nothing major, India might continue playing it safe, choosing to go with a different opener. According to Chopra, Venkatesh Iyer must be the man picked for the job.
“The first big question is Ruturaj Gaikwad's availability. If he doesn't open, who will do? I feel you will give an opportunity to Venkatesh Iyer,” says Chopra. “If he is not worthy of playing, why have you kept him in the team. You don't go on a tourist visa.”
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Venkatesh Iyer has played 9 T20Is for India, but has opened the batting in none of them. He burst onto the scene because of his contributions at the top of the order with the bat for KKR in IPL final. He was one of the main reasons behind KKR reaching the finals last year. However, in the matches he has played for India, he has usually come in at number 6, but still managed to do well, striking at over 162 in that role.
{{/usCountry}}Venkatesh Iyer has played 9 T20Is for India, but has opened the batting in none of them. He burst onto the scene because of his contributions at the top of the order with the bat for KKR in IPL final. He was one of the main reasons behind KKR reaching the finals last year. However, in the matches he has played for India, he has usually come in at number 6, but still managed to do well, striking at over 162 in that role.
{{/usCountry}}This is the reason Chopra believes Iyer could also be selected to replace Axar Patel, who has done well in the series against South Africa but might not be as effective or required in Ireland. “I am saying you can play him (Venkatesh) instead of Axar Patel, go for another fast-bowling option,” says Chopra. “Hardik is anyway bowling well, your bowling is not going to fall short, considering the lack of depth in the opposition camp as regards to batting.” Iyer might also add more with the bat than Patel, even though batting at 7, neither might get a chance.
Chopra also pointed out that there are more options in case Gaikwad is unavailable: “Sanju Samson and Rahul Tripathi are sitting out, those are also a couple of options. Can you actually start thinking along those lines? I feel Sanju will get a chance, Rahul Tripathi will be on the list.” Both Tripathi and Samson have opened in the IPL in the past, although they batted at number 3 with distinction in this year’s edition. Moreover, alongside southpaw Ishan Kishan, they will allow for the right-left combination at the top of the order.
India and Ireland will face off in the second and last match of their T20I series at Castle Avenue in Dublin on Tuesday, June 28.