New Delhi: Shubman Gill’s elevation to vice captaincy comes at an opportune time as he would get the guidance required from Rohit Sharma to become the eventual full-time ODI skipper, feels Suresh Raina.
The right handed batter was picked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to be Rohit’s deputy for the Champions Trophy that begins on February 19.
Raina was a member of India’s Champions Trophy-lifting side in 2013 and said Rohit is experienced enough to guide Gill into the right direction.
“Gill got the vice-captaincy at the right time. He is the next superstar of India cricket, and has done remarkably well in ODIs. Rohit knows how to mentor a youngster and what value Shubman will bring in,” Raina said while speaking to Star Sports.
Suryakumar could have been ‘X factor’
The former left handed batter also said that BCCI selectors might have missed a trick in not picking Suryakumar Yadav, who could have been the ‘X-factor’ in Dubai, venue of India’s CT games.
“Surya was an integral part of the World Cup squad, he is a 360 player who can score at 9 runs per over at any stage of the game. He can dominate the opposition and bats in a different way,” Raina said.
“If Surya was there there would have been an X-factor, he will be missed. The responsibility will be now on top 3 who are not in form. Surya is someone who can bat in any position.”
Raina also felt pacer Mohammed Siraj could have included in the team since pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has injury concerns and star pacer Mohammed Shami is coming back into the team after being away for over a year with injury.
“Siraj was in a different form in Australia but you can change the squad till 12 February. So I feel Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit,” he said.
“Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death but I still feel, Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there.”
Sureah Raina was a member of India’s Champions Trophy-lifting side in 2013 and said Rohit Sharma is experienced enough to guide Shubman Gill into the right direction with regards to captaincy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
