Former India opener Wasim Jaffer opined that it would be harsh to judge Ruturaj Gaikwad on basis of just one match. He suggested that Ishan Kishan should be persisted for one more game even though the left-hander struggled in the first two games.
Notable that Ruturaj Gaikwad has been in the squad since the home series against New Zealand, he also travelled to South Africa for the ODI series but he didn’t any game. He was tested positive for Covid-19 right before the ODI series.
“No point giving Ruturaj Gaikwad just one game”- Wasim Jaffer
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Wasim Jaffer explained his stance that he would like to give Ishan Kishan another opportunity to prove himself. India are set to play a 3-match T20I series against Sri Lanka starting on February 24. Jaffer thinks that the series against Sri Lanka will be the best time to give Ruturaj a go.
“We need to give Ishan Kishan another game and play him in the third T20I. Then we must think about giving Ruturaj (Gaikwad) a chance in the Sri Lanka series. He should be given a longer rope, maybe a series. No point giving Ruturaj one game.
“It makes sense to have continuity with players so they know that they are going to play the full series,” Wasim Jaffer said.
Ishan Kishan who was picked by Mumbai Indians at a price of 15.25 Cr in the mega auction had struggled in both matches so far. In the first match he played a knock of 42-ball 35, in the second match again he had an agonizing stay with a knock of 10-ball 2 runs.
“We need to be patient with Ishan Kishan. We all know that he is a quality player. He has got the fifties on T20I and ODI debuts and has such a fine IPL record for Mumbai Indians.
“But he has just been bought for ₹15 crore, that plays on players’ minds. And, it wasn’t easy straightaway. The ball was swinging a little. Even Rohit (Sharma) scored at almost a run-a-ball for his 19. We need to leave him alone. Once he gets going, he’ll be fine.” he added.
Further, Wasim Jaffer pointed out that Kohli looked in sublime touch as he scored his 30th T20I fifty. He further added that even though he failed to reach the three-figure mark in the other two formats, his form in the shortest format is fine.
“Kohli looked in sublime form. The wicket was good to bat on and he came out like he was already set. Kieron Pollard played with his mind by having a short leg. I don’t know why, but Kohli responded really well.
“Even though he hasn’t got hundreds in 50-overs and Test cricket, he is in fine form in T20Is. If he keeps batting like this, I don’t think the magic three-figure mark is too far way,” Wasim Jaffer said.