ICC T20 World Cup 2020: 3 youngsters India should groom as back-up for Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan is undoubtedly a class player and a very successful ODI batsman, but not everyone is convinced about his credentials in the shortest format of the game and there is a reason behind that.

Having been the first choice opener for India in T20I cricket over a long period of time, Dhawan still has a strike rate of only about 128 which is significantly less than standard for an opener considering the fact that they bat at a time when the fielding restrictions are on.

A strike rate of round about 130 can be acceptable only if the batsman bats through the innings on a consistent basis which will then mean that the batsman’s average will be quite high if the strike rate isn’t quite there. But, Dhawan’s average of 27.85 suggests that he doesn’t bat through the innings too many times either.

With the ICC WT20 less than a year away, India might be better off trying out some youngsters at the top of the order in T20I cricket and check out if they are there yet to take Dhawan’s place if the selectors indeed decide to look beyond the veteran southpaw.

Also see – World Test Championship Schedule

Here are the 3 youngsters India should groom as back-up for Dhawan

#1 Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has been in the Indian squad for the last couple of T20I series, but he hasn’t got a chance to play. The team management considers him a back-up wicketkeeper rather than a specialist batsman at the moment. Since they have decided to give Rishabh Pant a long run with the gloves, Samson has to be on the bench.

But, Samson can actually be a part of the playing XI as a specialist batsman as well. The Kerala-born right-hander scored 342 runs for his team Rajasthan Royals in the last IPL at an average of 34.20 and a strike rate of close to 150.

The 25-year-old has the ability to put the ball into the gaps on a consistent basis in the powerplay. He can be a good option to open the batting with Rohit Sharma.

#2 Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal

Devdutt Padikkal can be another good option at the top of the order. Firstly, he is a left-hander and it’s never easy for the bowlers to come into a game and having to adjust to a left-right combination from the word go.

Secondly, Padikkal is someone who tees off straightaway and therefore, he can be an ideal foil for Rohit who likes to take a little time before he explodes. If Padikkal allows Rohit that time upfront to get his eye in, there is nothing better for India as Rohit, once he gets set, can destroy any bowling attack in the world.

Padikkal was the leading run-scorer in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy where he scored 580 runs in just 12 games for his state side Karnataka at an average of 64.44 and a strike rate of 175.75.

#3 Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw has only just returned after serving his ban period and he seems to have hit his straps straightaway. As soon as he was eligible to play, Mumbai drafted him into their T20 squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy without any delay and the 20-year old justified the faith shown in him by the selectors.

Shaw played only 5 games in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but he made an impact in almost every game opening the batting for Mumbai. The right-hander scored 240 runs in 5 games at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 170.21.

The batting style of Shaw resembles the batting style of the legendary Indian opener Virender Sehwag a little. Like Sehwag, Shaw is also an incredibly strong square of the wicket on the off-side and is brutal against spin.

The Mumbai youngster, who has already played Test match cricket for India, has all the qualities to form a lethal opening combination with Rohit Sharma in T20Is.