Abhinav Mukund suggested a change at the top of the order for the Delhi Capitals for their upcoming game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday, April 21.
Pathum Nissanka has been opening the batting this season for the Capitals alongside KL Rahul. In five matches, the Sri Lankan batter has scored 128 runs at an average of 25.60 and a strike rate of 150.59. However, former India opener – Mukund – opined that both Nissanka and Rahul play the same brand of cricket.
“I really like Nissanka as a player, but I just fear that they’re both very similar cricketers. Both go at about 150-160, which is very good provided that there is someone else at the other end who goes at a faster clip and gives the other person insurance from day one I think,” Mukund said during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo.
Mukund mentioned that the Capitals could have done better if they had brought Prithvi Shaw into the lineup and had him open alongside Rahul.
“Delhi are a team who don’t get 1 over 20 or 2 overs 40. Why not a Prithvi Shaw? Every single game he’s come in, he’s in the dugout, he’s wearing the bib. So, if you think that is an option, this is a guy who’s going to give you either a big ceiling or he’s going to get out initially,” he added.
I don’t know why you would tinker with the options every single game: Abhinav Mukund on DC chopping and changing players
Mukund urged the Delhi Capitals’ management to give Karun Nair two more games after he got out cheaply while playing his first match of the season last week. The cricketer-turned-expert made this assessment, keeping in mind how the Capitals gave Nitish Rana three chances at the top of the order at the start of the season before benching him due to poor performances.
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“Now that you have backed Karun after you backed Nitish Rana in the first three games, give him three games. Give him two more see what he does and understand what your best option is. Otherwise, you can tinker with the other impact player slot. I don’t know why you would tinker with the options every single game. It doesn’t give stability to your side,” Mukund said.
