'It is time to give him a longer run' - Gautam Gambhir suggests India to persist with Ravi Bishnoi

India's narrow loss against arch-rivals Pakistan in their first match of the 2022 Asia Cup Super 4 stage has highlighted the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel, as their bowling left much to be desired in the blockbuster clash. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir opined that Yuzvendra Chahal should be replaced in the XI by Avesh Khan, while Ravi Bishnoi should be given a 'longer run'.

Skipper Rohit Sharma was forced to make two changes for the Pakistan clash as all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja succumbed to a knee injury, ruling him out of the tournament, and unavailability of pacer Avesh Khan due to illness. Ravi Bishnoi and Deepak Hooda made their way into the team at the expense of the aforementioned players. 

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, who is never one to shy away from bold statements, has opined that India should persist with Bishnoi, who excelled in his first game of the tournament. He remarked that Yuzvendra Chahal hasn't had a great Asia Cup and should be replaced by Avesh in the match against Sri Lanka.

"Avesh (Khan) for (Yuzvendra) Chahal. Definitely continue with Ravi Bishnoi, he has done everything in this game. Chahal hasn't bowled that well in this competition so probably it is time to give Bishnoi a longer run," said Gambhir on Star Sports after India's defeat on Sunday.

Yuzvendra Chahal's dip in form will be a concern for Rohit Sharma

Notably, Chahal has scalped just one wicket in the three games he has played in the ongoing tournament and leaked runs in the crucial game against Pakistan. Bishnoi on the other hand, showed no signs of nerves, playing in such a monumental fixture, and had the Pakistani batters in a tangle with his bowling.

The young leggie conceded just 26 runs, returning with the all-important wicket of Babar Azam upfront, and should have added another to his tally in the 18th over if not for Arshdeep Singh's clanger. On the other hand, Chahal leaked away 43 runs in his four overs with a solitary wicket to his name.