To chase a 109-run target on a grainy surface is not an easy task, but the Indian batters made it simple and chased it down in just 9.2 overs in the first T20I against Ireland on Sunday. Here we can have a reason why Ruturaj didn’t open in the first T20I?

The star of the Indian innings was Deepak Hooda, who usually bats in the middle order, but in the first T20I against Ireland came on crease alongside Ishan Kishan to open the proceedings for India and remained unbeaten at 47 till the very end to hand India victory.

Even while everyone is pleased with the successful run-chase, all are curious as to why Ruturaj Gaikwad, the usual opening batter, did not bat.

The sight of the Ishan Kishan and Deepak Hooda walking together was a bit of surprise since Ruturaj Gaikwad has been the chosen opener ever since the South Africa T20I series at home

Why Ruturaj Didn’t Open In The First T20I

Even after India had lost three wickets in the chase, Gaikwad still not walked to bat, which raised a few questions. Later on, India skipper Hardik Pandya later revealed the reason during a virtual media interview. The skipper said that Gaikwad has a niggle in his calf and that’s the reason he decided against putting him in danger by asking to open.

“Rutu (Gaikwad) had a niggle in his calf. We had the opportunity of taking a risk and sending him in to open, but I was not okay with it,” Pandya said.

He continued, “A player’s well-being is more important. And I thought we’ll be able to manage what happens in the match. It was quite simple after that, there wasn’t much of a decision to make. Whatever our batting-order numbers were, we all went up one spot, and it wasn’t a headache. We wanted to make sure we weren’t taking any chances with Rutu.”

IND vs IRE 1st T20 Match Summary:

After winning the toss Hardik invited the hosts to bat first. Ireland faced a dreary start as they lost 3 wickets for just 22. However, Harry Tector and Lorcon Tuckner added 50 runs then to help their side reach a good total. Tucker was out after scoring 18. While Tector smashed an unbeaten 64 to guide his team to cross the 100 mark in 12 overs.

Chasing the target of 109, India witnessed a destructive start as they’ve added 30 runs in 2.3 overs. Suddenly, Ishan Kishan, who was looking in good touch got out on 26 in 11 balls. While Suryakumar Yadav walked back to the pavilion without scoring a run.

But, Hooda and the skipper Hardik Pandya steadied India’s boat. They did a 64-run partnership in 30 balls before Pandya got out on 24 off 12. While Hooda remained unbeaten on 47 in 29 to hand India a victory in the first T20.