The first game of the three-match ODI series between India and Sri Lanka will get kicked off on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Unlike the T20I series, all senior players will be back in the ODI series. It means Rohit Sharma will be leading the side, while Virat Kohli and KL Rahul will also be back in the team.
However, with Rohit’s return, one of Shubman Gill or Ishan Kishan will have to sit out to make room for the captain. But it would be a tricky questions for the Indian thinktank to whom should they drop. Because both young openers have been in phenomenal form in 50-over cricket. Gill was the second highest run-scorer for India in ODIs, while Ishan smashed the fastest ODI double century in the last ODI he played against Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma shed light on his opening partner for the first ODI. On the eve of the first game, Rohit addressed the media and confirmed that Gill will get the nod ahead of Ishan in the first ODI. He said that both batters have done a brilliant job so far, but unfortunately, Ishan will have to sit out and Gill will get the chance.
Rohit Sharma has put the words perfectly for the opening debate between Ishan & Gill. pic.twitter.com/OPmV2mw4Ie
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 9, 2023
On the other hand, after the confirmation, the Indian fans had mixed reactions. Some fans supported the decision to select Gill over Ishan, while others were outraged that the man who scored the fastest ODI double century would have to sit out.
If we select Ishan Kishan, we'll get ->
A old successful set up of Left – ryt combination
A full tym wicketkeeper & excellent fielder
An In-form batsman
No doubt Gill has done pretty gd in previous game bt WC is nt too far, so can't waste more tym on experiment
It's decision tym https://t.co/TOqPbFFPGR— Dheerendra Singh (@Dheerendra_92) January 9, 2023Advertisement
Everything is ‘Unfortunate’ in Indian cricket. You score a double century and you are dropped in the next game. 🙈@ishankishan51 https://t.co/J8XXRK1qav
— Nikhil Ram (@Nikhil_Rams) January 9, 2023
Arrogant bc….
— A #HalaMadrid (@Vkholics) January 9, 2023
Dhoni ne bhi kaash isko baahar phenka hota….koi double century maarke bhi place secure nhi h jb khud k saath huva tb mc twitter par aakar rorha tha…
Mf hope u rot in hell https://t.co/dTT08yNq2y
Poor choice to play gill and k l Rahul ahead of ishan kishan and rahul tripathi.
— ASHU TYAGI (@ashutyagi73) January 9, 2023
Rather than favouritism they shall start taking decisions based on form and skill. Looks like Rohit is afraid that Rohit place may go if he prefer skill over favouritism.#INDvSL #imro45 #ishankishan https://t.co/sRWNf6IGLI
Ye nai bt bilkul nhi h,jo v khiladi UP,BIHAR,JHARKHAND se taluk rkhte h unke bht gndi rajniti ki jati h,we kitna v acha perform kr le unhe bahar ka rsta dkha diya jta or ye doglapn pta nhi kb sudhregi indian cricket team me. Mai dil se pray krta hoo ki hm tino match har jae….🤬 https://t.co/u7rzRYhfTA
— Laljee Roy (@roy_laljee) January 9, 2023
Well, the Truth is they want to accommodate #rahul in the 11 and only way is to put him as wk by leaving #IshanKishan out. As usual junior/ least famous player will sit out.#BCCI#RohitSharma#starculture https://t.co/g0u1aJdcyg
— Sajal Gahoi (@avisajal) January 9, 2023
Gajab politics chalti h btc. Jisne 200 mara ushe bahar krdiya or sachin ka damad ko team me le liya 🤬 https://t.co/3J213Mnp7x
— Vishal 👨⚕️ (@_Vishuuu) January 10, 2023
@ImRo45 you could have accommodated both and dropped KL Rahul who has been disappointing of late https://t.co/zAGpoUqbwh
— Jitu Mehta (@jitu70069205) January 10, 2023
