Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes that if Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma open the batting for India, it could cause serious problems for opposition bowlers in the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan, who recently made a comeback after a two-year break from international cricket, is in top form.
Sunil Gavaskar on Ishan, Abhishek opening
Ishan opened for India in a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa, scoring 53 runs before being retired out, helping the Men in Blue beat the Proteas by 30 runs. Speaking exclusively to Sports Tak during the Salam Cricket event, Gavaskar explained that if Ishan and Abhishek start attacking from the power play, it will put immense pressure on the opposition.
“If Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma open together, both being left-handers, it could really trouble the opposition bowlers and captains. If they start hitting from the first ball of the power play, the pressure on the opponents will be huge. Shivam Dube is also an option,” Gavaskar said.
Sunil Gavaskar on Sanju Samson
Gavaskar also commented on India’s regular opener, Sanju Samson. He said that if Samson is in form, he would be an automatic pick. However, he prefers giving the chance to the player in better current form.
“Sanju Samson, if in form, is definitely an automatic pick, there’s no doubt about his talent. But when form and luck aren’t on your side, it’s only fair to give the opportunity to the player who is in form. That’s why Ishan Kishan would be preferred. The team management may also want to take an aggressive approach right from the start,” Gavaskar added.
India are placed in Group A in the T20 World Cup 2026 along with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands and Namibia and the Men in Blue will start their campaign against the USA on February 7 at iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.