'The team management or selectors need to have hard conversations' - Saba Karim on senior players' batting strategies in T20 cricket

Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim feels that the selectors and the team management need to have a harsh talk with senior players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul regarding their strategies if they seem unable to adapt their batting to the standards of the modern game as he believes there are many players who deserve a spot in the Indian squad.

India had a good outing during the South Africa series, as they continued to remain unbeaten on the home surface after levelling the series at 2-2 before the final game was abandoned due to rain. The Indian team found two good contenders for the opening spot in the form of Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad. While the latter performed outstandingly in just one match, the former played some crucial knocks to make a statement.

But even though the duo is trying so hard, their inclusion in the playing combination will be made difficult after Rahul returns to the squad as he will be reserved to open the innings alongside the skipper Sharma. While there are chances of Kishan making to the squad, it is a doubt in Gaikwad’s case because the Indian team will have Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav, who already hold higher international experience.

“A tough call for the selectors. At this stage, I’m sure all three of them (Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul) will walk into the XI. If such criticism is being leveled at them, it is up to them to find a solution so that they emerge in a much better manner,” Karim was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

I’m sure they understand the needs of modern T20 batting: Karim

Rohit, Kohli, and Rahul, according to Karim, have the understanding to modify their strategy and bat more quickly in the game’s shortest format. While the skipper and former skipper are in England gearing up for the upcoming rescheduled fifth Test, Rahul is in Germany undergoing treatment for his groin injury after being ruled out of the entire tour.

“And if it’s not happening then the team management or selectors need to have hard conversations with the individuals involved because there is stiff competition coming through. The players whom you have named have enough experience to make the required changes in their batting so that it is beneficial for the national side. I’m sure they understand the needs of modern T20 batting,” he added.