Former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has shown his faith in Gujarat Titans opening pair Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. He believes both could potentially open the batting for India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2028.
Rayudu's comments came in the wake of another brilliant IPL season from the two Gujarat stars. They have been two of the most consistent performers in the tournament and have been in exceptional form this season as well.
Gujarat Titans had once again reached the final of the IPL 2026 after falling short just a season before. The batting line-up has been instrumental in their success, and Gill and Sudharsan have been the prime performers as openers.
The opening pair have been a revelation against all bowling attacks in this season. They've already had the 11th hundred-partnership between them in IPL and have amassed close to 950 runs in partnerships this season. On a personal note they both have more than 700 runs and two of the top performers this IPL.
Rayudu believes Gill and Sudharsan can open for India in Australia.
According to Rayudu he saw the pair who might travel down to Australia in 2028 to play the T20 World Cup. Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, he further backed the pair to open the batting for India at the global event.
Ambati said :
"I think we are witnessing a pair that might travel to Australia and tackle the conditions there. The wicket was very similar in pace and bounce. And the ease with which these two are batting...I'll be surprised if both of them don't go there."
Rayudu also explained his views behind it. The pair understands each other's game well. According to Rayudu, if conditions are good then this would be a really good opening pair and both Gill and Sudharsan would perfectly complement each other.
He added :
"If conditions suit them, if you take a Gill, you would like to take Sudharsan as well, because they both complement each other beautifully. You are seeing it in the partnership; they both know each other's game very well. It's a great add-on if you want them to excel in different conditions,"
However, he has also clarified his statement is not to undermine the performances of other players in the squad.
He concluded:
"I am not saying others are not good...It just might be that they both might be more suitable than the others,"
Tom Moody cautions and Aaron Finch backs India.
Former Australian player Tom Moody jokingly said while responding to Rayudu's statement "Send two teams" He however warned Rayudu that international selection does not entirely rely on IPL performance. He mentioned that international cricket is far different.
Rayudu warned :
"The depth...they have got is just phenomenal. But again, you are looking at the micro space of IPL; you need to look at the bigger picture. We all get carried away with what happens in IPL. But international cricket is on a different level again,"
On the other hand, former Australia captain Aaron Finch looked positive about the Indian chances in the T20 World Cup. "They might end up playing the final" he mentioned with a laugh. India are the two time defending champions of the T20 World Cup and once again would be considered one of the favorites when the world cup commences in 2028 with Shubman Gill likely to lead the team the search for the perfect opening partner continues.