India vs Sri Lanka 2nd T20I: IPL run-machine Rahul Tripathi finally earns India debut
IPL run-machine Rahul Tripathi finally got his India cap as the SRH batter was handed his debut in the second T20I of the three-match series against Sri Lanka.
In Short
- Tripathi is set to make his debut on Thursday against Sri Lanka
- He has been plying his trade on India’s domestic circuit for more than a decade
- Tripathi notched 413 runs at a strike rate of 158.24 in IPL 2022
Rahul Tripathi, the 31-year-old Indian batter, made his much-awaited national team debut, as he received the cap ahead of the second T20I against Sri Lanka in Pune on Thursday. Tripathi was called up many times for the Indian team last year but couldn't get game time.
The right-handed batter has been plying his trade on India’s domestic circuit for more than a decade and his hard work over the years has eventually paid off. Tripathi came to the limelight in 2017 when he scored loads of runs for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant. Thereafter, he performed well for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Tripathi notched 413 runs at a strike rate of 158.24 in IPL 2022, although the Orange Army failed to qualify for the playoffs.
BCCI have announced that the right-handed batter will be making his debut against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
The playing XI for both teams are as follows:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis(w), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka(c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
India (Playing XI): Ishan Kishan(w), Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul Tripathi, Hardik Pandya(c), Deepak Hooda, Axar Patel, Shivam Mavi, Umran Malik, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Gautam Gambhir said that Tripathi earned his call into the team after doing well in the IPL and domestic cricket. Gambhir praised the 31-year-old and said that he hopes the team management will give him the long rope.
"He has earned this call, he has done so well in the IPL and the domestic cricket. I hope he can do well because he is a quality player. He is one player who has got a good attitude, he has a fearless approach whether he bats at No. 3, No. 4. He can be very very destructive, hope the team management gives him a long rope," said Gambhir.