Rohit and Gaikwad should open in T20Is against Sri Lanka: Wasim Jaffer

Former India batter Wasim Jaffer reckons Rohit Sharma should open with Ruturaj Gaikwad in the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka at home. 

In a bid to accommodate both Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan, Rohit had to bat at No. 4 in the final T20I against West Indies. Jaffer believes India should play Gaikwad ahead of Kishan given that the latter did not have a particularly good series against West Indies.

In his three innings against the West Indies, Kishan managed just 71 runs at an underwhelming strike-rate of 85.54.

"I feel Rohit Sharma and Ruturaj Gaikwad should open in this series especially because India tried out Ishan Kishan last time and he did not have a good series," Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

Jaffer also called for the team management to give Gaikwad a long run. "It's time India gives Ruturaj a lengthy run, like three games or two games at least. So, I think Rohit and Ruturaj should open in a couple of games at least," Jaffer added.

India kick start the T20Is against Sri Lanka in Lucknow, starting today (February 24). After the three T20Is, the action then shifts to the Tests, which will be played in Mohali and Bengaluru.