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 correct 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 their resounding 125-run victory at Trent Bridge on Tuesday. After Harshit Rana was elevated to No. 7, six left-handers made up the visitors’ top eight in that game—a combination Patel had determined was impractical from the start of the trip.
He said in a JioHotstar conversation, “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.”
Tilak Varma was untouchable because he was the vice captain, the former Test stumper said. Instead, Patel motioned for Dube to step down as the player.
“Tilak Varma is the center of attention if I stay in that locker room and have to assemble a team, but he is India’s vice-captain. So instead of Shivam Dube, I would like you to portray Sanju Samson. The sixth bowling option will then be eliminated. But you’ll use five reliable primary bowlers,” noted Parthiv Patel.
Bristol’s Parthiv Patel batting plan
The former Indian wicketkeeper also suggested a revised batting order that he thought the club may look into because Sanju Samson is flexible enough to bat anywhere from No. 3 to the middle order.
Sanju Samson will need to bat in the center. He may also arrive at No. 3.
Then Shreyas Iyer can enter at number five, and Ishan Kishan can come in the middle. Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Shreyas Iyer from Nos. 3 through 5 are yours to retain. He said, “India can think in that direction.”
Shreyas Iyer’s squad needs to win the last two games in order to avoid losing the T20I series in England. On Thursday, July 9, the fourth Twenty20 International will take place at County Ground in Bristol. On Saturday, July 11, the fifth and final game will take place at Southampton.
