IPL2021:Chris Gayle should open the innings, said Deep dasGupta

Former India wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta disagreed with the Punjab kings (PBKS) strategy to push Mandeep Singh as an opener in their clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI). With Mayank Agarwal sitting out due to an injury, Mandeep Singh surprisingly took as the candidate to open the batting alongside KL Rahul.

Cricket expert said,”Till now, the start of Punjab it was KL Rahul being the anchor and holding the innings from one end as long as he can and Mayank playing the shots from the word go and giving them momentum. When Mayank is not there, you have Gayle and Markram, and have opened in the format before. Despite these two players being present, Punjab opted to go with Mandeep Singh. Gayle should have opened and played the role of aggressor, that Mayank used to do.”
The move to promote Mandeep Singh did not work out for the Punjab Kings as he was the first wicket to fall. He was trapped LBW by Krunal Pandya while attempting a paddle sweep after scoring just 15. Gayle, meanwhile, was caught in the deep off Kieron Pollard for just one.