The competition for places is immense in India. In recent times, we have seen a lot of young openers develop. These cricketers will have a tough time breaking into the Indian Team. Even if they get a chance, they will have to adapt themselves to different roles. One of it could be batting in the middle order. The likes of KL Rahul have done that in recent times. On that note, here, we take a look at three genuine young openers who might have to become middle-order batters for India.
1) Ruturaj Gaikwad
At the moment, it really looks difficult for Ruturaj Gaikwad to get consistent chances as an opener in the Indian Team. Especially with Rohit Sharma occupying one spot at the top for at least some more months, it will be the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan who will get their chances alongside the Indian captain. Therefore, Rutu might have to settle for a middle-order role. He has been selected for the Test series against West Indies and could make his debut at No.3 or No.5.
2) Shubman Gill (In Tests)
Shubman Gill is one of the genuine young openers who might have to become a middle-order batter for India. In Test cricket, in the long run, it appears that Shubman Gill might have to go lower down the order. No.4 could be his eventual destination but for now, he could have to bat at No.3 or No.5. He has all the skills to excel in this role and hence, it is exciting for the Indian Team. For him, as well, taking on the spinners more often would do more justice to his strengths.
3) B Sai Sudharsan
In domestic cricket, Sai has always opened the batting and has found success in it. However, in IPL and now, even in TNPL, he is batting at No.3. Maybe, he is seeing himself as a middle-order batter in the future. This might also be his only way to get close to the Indian Team because the likes of Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal would be preferred as the left-handed opening option for the team.
