'Headache for selection committee'; Legendary Sunil Gavaskar's advice to Gambhir

MUMBAI: Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar suggested that the Indian selectors and coach include Malayali cricketer Sanju Samson for the Asia Cup squad. Gavaskar asked Gambhir to put Sanju in the third position behind Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill. It was a foregone conclusion that Gill would get his opening spot back after he returned to the T20 team as vice-captain.

However, Gavaskar points out that the team management is still confused about whether to keep Sanju in the playing XI or include the more experienced Jitesh Sharma as a finisher. He was speaking to the media ahead of the Asia Cup, which begins in the UAE on September 9.

"The fact that we currently have two capable batsmen and even have the option left to put Sanju at number three if needed has become a headache for the selection committee. Jitesh has also performed well in the recent IPL. I think Sanju will be able to play at least two matches. India's first match is against the UAE on September 10. Sanju should be used in place of Jitesh at least in the first two matches. Whether or not to include him in the remaining matches will depend on his performance," said Sunil Gavaskar.

"Tilak Verma and captain Suryakumar Yadav have played at number three and four in the recent T20Is. If Sanju is not included in the middle order, then how can he be included in the opening order? The team management may be thinking of making Sanju number three and Tilak number five as finishers. But in the current situation, with Hardik Pandya also in the team, Sanju is expected to bat at number five or six again," Gavaskar added.