'He's a dangerous player, should be in the mix' - Ravi Shastri backs Rahul Tripathi for national selection

Former India coach Ravi Shastri heaped praises on Rahul Tripathi and said that the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s sensational batter is not far from receiving an India call-up. Shastri’s comments came after Tripathi’s magnificent knock against the Mumbai Indians on May 17 at the Wankhede Stadium, which helped SRH to put up a big total of 193/6.

Tripathi, who had failed to impress in SRH’s encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders, was on fire when he walked out to bat against MI. He put up a brilliant performance, smashing a 44-ball 76 that consisted of nine fours and three sixes. After SRH lost their opening batter Abhishek Sharma, Tripathi held the game tight in the middle and anchored SRH’s innings.

“He’s not far at all. If someone doesn’t get up from the bench or gets up from the wrong side of the bed and gets injured, this guy can be slotted in straight away. He can go at No. 3 or 4. He’s a dangerous player and should be in the mix. If he’s performing season after season, I’m sure the selectors will be watching that very, very closely and giving him his due,” Shastri told ESPNcricinfo.

Rahul Tripathi is not overawed by any opposition: Ravi Shastri

Tripathi has been mighty impressive this season batting at the No. 3 position for Hyderabad. He has been a dependable player at the top order and the team has shown faith in him. Having played 13 games so far, Tripathi has notched up 393 runs at an amazing strike rate of 161.73 and an average of 39.30.

“It’s not that one swallow that makes a summer; he’s been around for a bit and what I like about his game is his fearlessness and he’s got a tag of being a known quantity and someone the opposition wants to get out quickly. Irrespective of that, he comes out and plays his game…he’s not overawed by any opposition or by any bowler, which is great to see,” Shastri added.