“I’ve heard rumors that…”: India’s XI gets late comeback from former New Zealand star

Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull, who is fulfilling his responsibility as a commentator for the 2024 T20 World Cup, has given a late twist to the Indian team combination, suggesting that Yashasvi Jaiswal could be set to open with Rohit Sharma in the India’s tournament opener against Ireland. While it looked like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli would open for India in their first match of the campaign, Doull revealed a ‘rumor’ that he heard about Jaiswal that changes everything.

In a chat on Cricbuzzthe former New Zealand pacer said he would like Rohit and Virat to open, with Rishabh Pant at third and Suryakumar Yadav at fourth. But he heard that Jaiswal was the person who went online the day before the clash.

“My team would have Virat and Rohit opening the batting. They are the two best players to do that at the moment and Rishabh Pant by a point difference at 3 as a left-hand option. Dube, Hardik and Jadeja at 5, 6 and 7. It’s very good for me and the Indian lineup. If they go that route, I think it’s the best way,” Doull said on Cricbuzz.

“I heard rumors today that Jaiswal was the first to hit the nets. They gave him a lot of opportunities. It would surprise me if they brought him in. Who do they leave out? Shivam Dube? That would surprise me a little,” he added.

Pant came out to bat for India in the friendly against Bangladesh at number three. Doull wants the wicketkeeper batsman to remain in the same place.

“It was just a way of getting him into that side and splitting that left-left-left middle-order combination. I didn’t know about Hardik Pandya at first, so for me it was where did I fit in Rishabh Pant? Apart from, say, him, Dube and Jadeja… all batting at 5, 6 and 7. And just giving the top order a small point difference, I’m pleased they gave it a chance against Bangladesh. worked well. Will they continue with this? I think they should,” Doull added.