IPL 2020 : “I want an impact player on top,” Gautam Gambhir advocates picking Prithvi Shaw over Ajinkya Rahane for must win clash

IPL 2020 : “I want an impact player on top,” Gautam Gambhir advocates picking Prithvi Shaw over Ajinkya Rahane for must win clash

Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane

Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane
Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane

Delhi Capitals find themselves in a peculiar spot going into the second qualifier against Sunrisers Hyderabad. On one hand, Prithvi Shaw is going through the worst phase of his career and has only 26 runs in his last 6 innings, which includes three ducks. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane has not been anywhere close to his best, barring the match-winning knock of 60 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and has 2 ducks in his last six innings.

This leaves captain Shreyas Iyer and the team management in a fix on which of the two to pick for the crucial encounter tonight. Both the batsmen have had a very similar season where they eventually faded after a couple of promising knocks.

I want an impact player on top

Prithvi Shaw

Former India opener and DC skipper Gautam Gambhir advocates picking young Shaw over the experienced Rahane. Gambhir opines that it is always better to have an impactful player at the top in a crucial game. The 39-year-old further adds that if Shaw manages to survive the powerplay, he will deliver.

“I want an impact player on top, especially in a must-win game. I know Prithvi Shaw has not been in good form, but even Ajinkya Rahane is not in supreme form as of now,” Gambhir said on ESPN Cricinfo.

“Plus, if you make Rahane bat at no. 3, he is not an impactful player in that position. You can make Rahane open the innings but if I have to choose a player to open the innings between Rahane and Shaw – and look at the bowling line-up, I will go with Shaw and give him one more chance. If he bats for 6 overs, I am sure I will get the start I need,” he further said.

Former India skipper Krish Srikkanth had earlier suggested to include Shimron Hetmyer at the expense of Daniel Sams. This means Iyer will have to replace Shaw or Rahane with an Indian quick and clearly, this gives DC a more balanced combination for the must-win game today.

Also read : IPL 2020 : “Bring in Shimron Hetmyer,” Krish Srikkanth believes “individual brilliance” is Delhi Capitals’ only hope