IND vs AFG 2nd ODI: Questions Linger on Selection Strategy in Shifting Captain Shubman Gill to No. 3
Gill's dominant 154 helps India crush Afghanistan by 170 runs, clinch series with confusion.
Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has criticised the Indian team's decision to change its opening combination during the second ODI against Afghanistan, describing the move as a sign of "lack of clarity" from the team management. Tiwary believes promoting Yashasvi Jaiswal to open alongside Rohit Sharma while shifting captain Shubman Gill to No. 3 could create unnecessary confusion over the team's batting order.
India opted for a new opening pair in the match, with Jaiswal replacing Gill at the top of the order. The experiment, however, produced mixed results as Jaiswal departed for just four runs, while Gill thrived in the No. 3 position with a magnificent 154 off 110 deliveries. Rohit Sharma chipped in with 48 runs as India piled up a massive total of 402.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Tiwary questioned the logic behind altering a settled combination and warned that Gill's success in the middle order could complicate future selection decisions. He suggested that frequent changes in batting positions could leave players uncertain about their roles and affect the team's long-term planning.
Also Read: INDvsAFG 2nd ODI: India Reach 402 Against Afghanistan; Gill And Kishan Dominate
"It will just create a headache for the future and nothing else," Tiwary said, adding that Gill could be left wondering whether he should return to the opening slot if he continues to score heavily at No. 3. While critical of the strategy, he praised Jaiswal's ability and said the left-hander deserves opportunities across all formats.
Despite the debate over the batting order, India produced a dominant all-round display to register a 170-run victory over Afghanistan at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. The comprehensive win handed the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, with Gill's century and Ishan Kishan's valuable contribution laying the foundation for the massive total.
Afghanistan's pursuit of 403 never gained momentum as India's bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets, debutant Prince Yadav picked up his maiden ODI wicket and Gurnoor Brar also finished with three scalps, ensuring a comfortable victory and sealing the series with one match still remaining.
Also Read: Gill Nears 150, Kishan Hits 125 As India Build Massive Total Against Afghanistan In 2nd ODI
