Former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has insisted that Sanju Samson replace Shivam Dube in the starting lineup for Thursday’s fourth Twenty20 International against England in order to rectify a left-hander imbalance that has hurt the visiting team throughout the series.
The hosts now lead the five-match Twenty20 International series 2-0 after winning by a commanding 125 runs at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. After Harshit Rana was elevated to No. 7, the visitors’ top eight in that game consisted of six left-handers, a combination Patel had recognised as impractical from the start of the trip.
In a JioHotstar discussion, he said, “I think he should be played because we have been saying since the first match that you cannot have six left-handers in the top seven, in the top eight (in this game), because Harshit Rana came at No. 7.”
The former Test stumper acknowledged that Tilak Varma’s status as vice captain made him untouchable. Instead, Patel motioned for the player, Dube, to step aside.
“Tilak Varma is the focus if I stay in that dressing room and have to form a team, but he is India’s vice-captain.” Therefore, I would like you to play Sanju Samson instead of Shivam Dube. The sixth bowling option won’t be available after that. But you’ll use five reliable main bowlers,” noted Parthiv Patel.
Bristol’s Parthiv Patel batting approach
The former Indian wicketkeeper also suggested a revised batting order that he thought the club may look into because Sanju Samson is versatile enough to bat anywhere from No. 3 to the middle order.
Sanju Samson must bat in the center. He may also arrive at number three.
Shreyas Iyer can then come at number five, while Ishan Kishan can come in the middle. Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Shreyas Iyer from Nos. 3 to 5 are yours to keep. He stated, “India can think in that direction.”
Shreyas Iyer’s squad needs to win the last two games to avoid losing the T20I series in England. On Thursday, July 9, Bristol’s County Ground will host the fourth Twenty20 International. On Saturday, July 11, Southampton will host the fifth and final game.
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