In an exclusive conversation with Mohor Chaudhuri for RevSportz, Deep Dasgupta speaks about the conundrum surrounding the second opener in ODI cricket. The former Indian cricketer and one of the most prominent voices in sports broadcasting at this point, shared his insights on who should be the possible opener alongside Shubman Gill walking into the 2027 calender- keeping the South African conditions in mind.
Mohor: If you look at the Indian cricketing landscape, there are many options to open the innings alongside Shubman Gill for the 2027 World Cup, which include the experienced Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Co. In your opinion, who could seal the other opening slot?
Deep: I somehow think it’s a little too premature to talk about it because you have named a few and a few others might pop up; Ruturaj is also one such name who brought up a hundred while batting at number 4. Another 16-17 ODI games before the World Cup, I think what the Indian selectors and management are rightly doing is keeping everyone ready. I don’t think it’s about the 14 as of now. You spoke about Yashasvi not finding a place but he is very much in the thick of things here. They are keeping a pool of guys ready keeping 2027 in mind.
Mohor: If we have to focus a bit on Rohit Sharma, we know he is already a stalwart and does not need to prove a point but in recent times we have seen how this current management is very strict about present form, no matter the legacy. I know it is still early, but do you see Rohit in 2027?
Deep: Let me preface it by saying that he is one of the greatest white-ball cricketers that we have seen. Secondly, he is not getting any younger. His class is obviously there and he seems to be fit enough. But, still 14- 15 months to go for the World Cup, so keeping himself match fit and batting fit become very important since he is playing only one format now. I was a bit disappointed since I thought he would get one big score in the last three games versus Afghanistan, which he was looking absolutely settled on. He was looking good in the last game. My only question is that is he fit enough to come back after a break and start firing at 100 percent? The biggest challenge for Rohit will be that, since not many domestic games around either and bilaterals are all three-match series.
Mohor: How are you looking at the selectors’ call regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal? He came in as a replacement for Virat Kohli in the Afghanistan ODI, and now that he is back, Jaiswal does not find a place. Do you think this is just a way of experimenting?
Deep: I don’t think it is an experiment because he has played seven innings and smashed two hundreds in the last three games. I think it is about making sure he is ready when he is called for. Here, the conversation between the selectors and Yashasvi becomes very important- the assurance that he is still very much in the reckoning. There are no two ways about it. Again, if he comes in, who does he replace in the team? Unfortunately, the only way that I can think of now is if someone gets injured or suddenly goes out of form. So, he will have to wait a little bit but he is definitely ready for whenever he is required.
Mohor: Since we are on openers, there is one more young cricketer who is making the rounds on social media and that is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He is undoubtedly a phenomenal talent. Will he be fast tracked into the Indian ODI setup? Should that happen?
Deep: Listen I won’t be surprised if that happens because he is a genius and an exceptional talent. Also, he has been largely successful. The best part is that he has been performing in knockouts. That just tells you more about his talent because he is ready to deliver under pressure. But again, he would also have to wait a little. He is a very special player and it is just a matter of time.
Mohor: Lastly, what would be your opening pair for the 2027 World Cup?
Deep: As of now, how I look at it is Shubman, Rohit and Yashasvi as the third opener. But again, it is a little premature with so much cricket left to be played- both in domestic cricket and internationals. But if the World Cup was to start tomorrow, I would go with that call.
Mohor: Thank you so much for joining us, it was a really interesting conversation.
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The post “It’s premature but I would I look at Shubman, Rohit, and Yashasvi as third opener” — Deep Dasgupta on India’s openers for WC 2027 appeared first on Sports News Portal | Revsportz.
