“Openers already in England deserve to play first” – Salman Butt Backs Kapil Dev’s Comments

According to some reports India has called up for an opening duo from India to England for 5-match Test series. Reportedly India has demanded the services of Prithvi Shaw and Devdutt Padikkal. The opening duo of Shaw and Padikkal is currently part of the India tour of Sri Lanka limited over the tour.

The reason behind the need for more openers in England is an injury first-choice once opener, Shubman Gill. Adding to it Gill has suffered an injury in his shin and has been ruled out by the marquee Test series. Also, Salman butt has given his opinions on this matter.

Former Pakistan cricketer Salman Butt has supported the statement given by World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev. Kapil dev stated that sending extra players to England will be an insult to the players already present in the squad.

Salman butt discussed this matter in his latest YouTube video. Butt said that demanding extra openers makes no sense. Also, he said India already has openers present in the Test squad of the England tour.

“I agree with Kapil Dev. He is a legend of the game and a well-respected voice. When you have selected three or four openers for a tour and if one of them is not fit, the first chance must obviously go to those who are already present in the squad. Anyways now, because of COVID, a bigger squad travels with the team. There are much more than 14-15 players in the team. So, you have your contingent there,” Salman Butt.

“If you call someone from outside the squad, those already present can’t be at ease mentally. Obviously, it all depends on who you show your confidence in. But, I would say, the openers who are already in England deserve to play first because they were the ones selected in the first place,” he added.

There should be some respect for the selectors: Kapil Dev

While talking to ABP News Kapil Dev mentioned India team has no reason to ask for additional openers. Also, he said India already has two good openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul in the team. Former Indian skipper Kapil Dev asserted:

“I don’t think there is any need for it. There should be some respect for the selectors too. They have picked a team and I’m sure it wouldn’t have happened without their (Shastri and Kohli) consultation.

I mean, you have two such big-opening batsmen in KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Do you really need a third option? I don’t think it’s right. The team that they’ve picked already has openers so I think they should be the ones to play. Otherwise, it’s insulting for the players who are already in the team.”