Shubman should be fielded, playing the vice-captain should not be fixed: Shastri

Former India coach Ravi Shastri says Shubman Gill should be preferred over vice-captain KL Rahul in the playing XI for the first Test against Australia starting here on Thursday. Shastri said that the vice-captaincy should not mean that a place in the team is safe when a batsman like Gill is performing consistently. The former all-rounder said that there is no one even close to Suryakumar Yadav at number five and he should be fielded at that position.

He said, “The decision to select Shubman or Rahul depends on the team management. Form matters a lot when someone is performing so well. “He said,” I have seen Gill and Rahul closely in the nets. Even if a tough decision has to be taken. I look at the footwork, I look at the timing. If Gill has to be preferred over Rahul then he should be. you have to see. I do not say that because of being the vice-captain, Rahul’s selection is fixed.

There has been a lot of talk in Australia about making favorable pitches in India but Shastri said there is nothing wrong in taking advantage of the home ground. He said, “If someone asks me what kind of pitch is needed. what to expect I would say that even after losing the toss, the ball started turning from the very first session itself. As a coach, I would just think that Australia should get 4. How to beat from 0. Shastri said that wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav will have to do his job well.

He said, “I want to see Karishma. Kuldeep Yadav will have to do. If you lose the toss and the wicket is not turning, a bowler like Kuldeep will come in handy. When the finger spinner is not getting help, then the leg spinner should show amazing. “He said,” India got 4. Should think about winning from 0. We are playing in our country. I have toured Australia twice with the team and I know what happens.