Five reasons why Gambhir and Dhawan should open for India

Bhavneet Singh 17:50 08/07/2014
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  • Road to retribution: Guatam Gambhir (batting) is in line to make a dramatic return to the top of India's batting order.

    With all the pre-match talk being about India’s beleaguered bowlers, there is one thing that seems to have gone unnoticed – the Indian opening pair.

    There are four contenders for the two spots: Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay and Rohit Sharma.

    While each has a case for the opening berths, the favourites are Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir.

    Here, we look at five reasons that support their cause.

    1.       Enough of the left-right combination: Indians have been trying to get the left-right combination right for the last two years but it no longer has the unsettling factor for the modern day bowlers with more and more accustomed to changing their lines accordingly. To add to that, the combination hasn’t worked well in recent Test matches. Keeping in mind that this is the most used opening tactic by any team, opening with two left handers might be a nice surprise.

    2.       Devastating Dhawan: Yes Shikhar Dhawan has had a rough season but despite that, the fact remains that he is a match-winner. He has proven that on many occasions. What adds to his credibility is that he was the leading run-scorer and man of the tournament in the ICC Champions Trophy. It can be argued that it was in an ODI situation, but that is the only mode in which the flamboyant opener is given a good go. Having his aggression up front may ruffle the English bowlers and set the tone for the rest of the Indian innings.

    3.       Rohit’s versatility: Restricting Rohit Sharma to the role of an opener might end up subduing his performance throughout the tour. The talented right-hander has the potential to play big knocks and, more importantly, adjust to any situation in Test cricket. He can play the role of a ‘floater’ and come in to bat when the situation needs him. He might just be the flexibility that the Indian batting order needs.

    4.       Murali’s had too many chances: Murali Vijay has been given many chances previously and he just hasn’t clicked. Not denying his potential, he hasn’t managed to hit a purple patch when runs were needed the most. Yes, he does have a couple of centuries here and there, but there have been more tears and less cheers, which rules him out of contention for the openers spot in the first game.

    5.       The Gambhir effect: Gambhir has always been known for his fighting attitude and consistency in big matches. Be it the 2007 Twenty20 or 2011 final World Cup finals or many other matches where he has single-handedly saved India, he embraces the biggest stage like very few can. Riding high on confidence after leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the Indian Premier League title, he will be desperate to earn back his spot in the Test team. 

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