The India National Cricket Team won the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe 3-0 without any trouble, but the young opener Abhishek Sharma’s dismal run has raised many eyebrows.
Abhishek Sharma failed in all three matches in Zimbabwe after poor outings on the England tour, and now former Indian chief selector Kris Srikkanth believes that the current selection panel and the team management may have to take a tough decision. However, Suryakumar Yadav backs Abhishek Sharma after the poor Zimbabwe series.
Kris Srikkanth demands Sanju Samson’s return to Team India as Abhishek Sharma’s poor form continues
After India clinched the T20I series 3-0 in Zimbabwe, Kris Srikkanth has demanded the return of Sanju Samson to the Indian T20I team. He feels Abhishek Sharma’s poor form cannot be ignored anymore, especially when Sanju had earlier lost his place after just a few disappointing matches.
Earlier, the left-handed batter scored 131 runs in the five-match T20I series against England. Yet, he got regular chances but could not make any impact. Abhishek managed only 11 runs in three matches at an average of 3.66 and a strike rate of 55 in the Zimbabwe series.
Kris Srikkanth feels bowlers have worked out Abhishek Sharma
Srikkanth feels the bowlers have now understood Abhishek’s batting style and are using clear plans to dismiss the Indian opener. He felt the time had come for the selectors to take some tough calls, dropping Abhishek and bringing Samson back into the T20I team.
Kris Srikkanth said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “Abhishek Sharma has been sorted out (by opponents) in international cricket, right from the World Cup. I think a tough call has to be taken against him now. I feel Sanju will get his chance again now. He will receive a call back 100%. The selectors will have to take a tough call.”
Abhishek’s last 10 T20I scores are 2, 8, 1, 3, 16, 10, 43, 59, 0, and 49. Srikkanth believes that bowlers have now worked out the Punjab lad’s weaknesses. As a result, the young Indian opener must improve if he wants to keep his place in the playing XI. Amid this, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opens up on dream Zimbabwe tour, VVS Laxman’s support and Ishan Kishan’s role.
Kris Srikkanth hails Mayank Yadav after stunning Zimbabwe series
However, the 1983 World Cup winner was full of praise for the fast bowler Mayank Yadav. The 24-year-old made an impressive comeback after being out of the national setup nearly two years because of injuries. Mayank bowled with good pace and control throughout the series.
Srikkanth was happy to see Mayank stay fit and perform consistently. He also praised another young fast bowler, Ashok Sharma. However, Ashok managed to take only one wicket in two games, but his speed and consistent length impressed everyone.
Mayank ended the Zimbabwe series as the highest wicket-taker. He picked up five wickets in three matches, including 3/29 in the final T20I at an average of 14.40 and an economy rate of 6.54.
The former Indian captain signed off by saying, “It was good to see Mayank Yadav playing all three games. So happy for him. Look at how consistent this boy was. The Indian future is very good. You have to back the right youngsters. I don’t mind Ashok Sharma either.”