Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Rahul Tripathi has been in breathtaking form in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After his superb knock against Mumbai Indians (MI), former Australian opener Matthew Hayden backed him to make his India debut soon.
The ever-consistent Tripathi has amassed 393 runs in 13 innings at an average of 39.30 in IPL 2022. He has been a force to reckon with for the Hyderabad franchise despite their start-stop campaign.
After Tuesday’s knock, a certain section of former cricketers have urged the selectors to pick him for the T20Is against South Africa. Hayden also echoed the same words.
“I just love his ability to upfront so hard. I think that’s what has been really missing inside the SRH batting line-up,” Hayden told Star Sports.
“That powerplay is so significant. especially when the wickets are getting slower, so the first six overs, you have to make use of it. It was a really good leadership decision as well to get back down the order,” he added.
“He has the game on bouncy wickets” – Matthew Hayden on Rahul Tripathi
Meanwhile, Matthew Hayden was particularly impressed with Tripathi’s ability to tackle short-pitch deliveries. He believes the SRH star can be an asset in the T20 World Cup 2022, which will take place in Australia.
“The way Tripathi took up the responsibility was good to watch. I think he has got some real potential in the future to go all the way at the international level. He is someone that is a dangerous striker of the ball, he can hit both sides of the wicket. In particular, what impresses the most is his ability to play short-pitched bowling,” the cricketer-turned-commentator added.
“I mean, getting to Australia, let’s just take the liberty to say that’s where it is, not saying he will be picked, but he has the game on bouncy wickets,” Matthew Hayden added.
India will play a couple of series ahead of the global event and it remains to be seen if Rahul Tripathi is picked in the squad for the five T20Is against South Africa.
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