Cricket News

‘It is time to give him a longer run’ – Gautam Gambhir makes massive statement in favour of Ravi Bishnoi

India’s nail-biting encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of the 2022 Asia Cup Super 4 stage has put the Indian bowling attack under the scanner in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, as their bowling looked depleted in the blockbuster fixture. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir thinks that Yuzvendra Chahal should be replaced in the Indian XI by Avesh Khan, while Ravi Bishnoi should be given a longer rope.

Skipper Rohit Sharma was forced to make two changes for the Pakistan clash as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was ruled out of the Asia Cup because of a knee injury, and unavailability of tearaway quick Avesh Khan was ruled out of the game due to fever. Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda made their way into the team in place of these two.

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, who likes to give out his views and opinions, has said that India should continue with Bishnoi, who excelled in his first game of the Asia Cup. He remarked that Yuzvendra Chahal hasn’t been in good form at the Asia Cup and should be benched, while Avesh Khan should replace him in the match against Sri Lanka.

“Avesh (Khan) for (Yuzvendra) Chahal. Definitely continue with Ravi Bishnoi, he has done everything in this game. Chahal hasn’t bowled that well in this competition so probably it is time to give Bishnoi a longer run,” said Gambhir on Star Sports after India’s defeat on Sunday.

It is important to note that Gambhir has worked closely with the duo during his time as a mentor at the Lucknow side in the Indian T20 league in the 2022 edition.

Yuzvendra Chahal’s dip in form will be another headache for Rohit Sharma

Until now, Chahal has picked up just the solitary wicket in the three games that he has played in the multilateral tournament and has leaked runs in the crucial game against Pakistan. Bishnoi, Meanwhile, was at his best while playing in the high voltage clash and had the Pakistani batters in a web with his bowling.

The young wrist-spinner conceded just 26 runs, took the all-important wicket of Babar Azam and should have had another in his kitty in the 18th over if not for Arshdeep Singh’s dropped catch. On the other hand, Chahal gave 43 runs in his spell and picked up just one wicket.