Shubman Gill is being groomed as an opener for the 2023 World Cup: Deep Dasgupta

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• Aug 15, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Despite making his ODI debut in 2019 during the New Zealand trip, Gill wasn't able to establish...

Digital Desk: Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes that Team India is now training Shubman Gill as an opener for the 50-over World Cup in 2023. Despite making his ODI debut in 2019 during the New Zealand trip, Gill wasn't able to establish himself until earlier this year.

Following India's 3-0 victory over West Indies in a three-match ODI series, Gill was recently named Player of the Series. With 205 runs at an average of 102.50 and two half-centuries, Gill finished as the top run-scorer in the white-ball matches.

In the third ODI at Port of Spain, weather caused the Indian innings to be called off early, leaving the 22-year-old Gill stuck on 98. Meanwhile, Dasgupta requested that KL Rahul be prepared to bat first for India at the T20 World Cup in Australia.

"I concur that it's challenging following such a strong series. But right now, the focus is on getting Rahul ready for the opening position in the Asia Cup T20. His need for extensive at-bat time is a top priority. Shubman, in my opinion, is being prepared to be an opener for the ODI World Cup, so I believe this arrangement will only last temporarily,"  Dasgupta said in an interview.

Since playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL), Rahul has not participated in any kind of cricket. He hasn't participated in an international cricket match since February 2022, as well.

After passing a fitness test, Rahul was recently named to India's team for the forthcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe. Rahul will also compete in the United Arab Emirates' Asia Cup (UAE).