‘If you are an Indian you would…’ - Deep Dasgupta reveals Steve Smith’s likely batting position during Border Gavaskar Trophy

Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta was a guest on Talksport’s cricket show recently. The chat invariably moved to the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy which is slated to start in November. The home team will be playing a full fledged summer after the retirement of David Warner. 

Steve Smith has been doing the duties in the top of the order as the opener. Just a few weeks ago, there were reports that Smith could go back to his number 4 spot. There were reports that Travis Head could be asked to open alongside Usman Khawaja. 

Deep Dasgupta while speaking to Talksport revealed his recent chat with Steve Smith. The former Indian star said, “If you're an Indian, you'd be happy to see Steve Smith opening. You don't want to see Steve Smith batting at 4 or down the order because it's baffling. Almost the peak of his career he's done so well over so many years batting at that number.”

Also read: How has Steve Smith performed at number 4 spot after his return to slot for BGT 2024?

Steve Smith set to continue as opener in Test cricket?

Ever since his elevation to the opening slot, the Aussie batting star hasn’t been that successful. Barring his 91 against West Indies, Steve Smith has had a lean patch with the bat. The Australian batting star though has enviable numbers while batting at number 4 position in Test cricket. 

The former Indian star further said while speaking to Talksport, “Starting to open? It's a different ball game you know. Anyone who has played any level of cricket will tell you that middle order in Test cricket and opening are two very different jobs. When you're coming in to bat with 20 overs bowled and with a new ball, they're very different.”

Deep Dasgupta then said that he met Steve Smith recently. Recounting the interaction the cricketer turned commentator said, “I bumped into him recently and I asked him 'You opening? What's that about? And I did ask him 'Are you going to open against India as well?' And he said, 'yeah, I am thinking about it'. I said 'yeah, you should, why not?' Because it's quite baffling."

Dasgupta ended his observations to Talksport by saying, “I can understand that he's not scoring runs and you're trying to still find a place for him. That's the only spot available. Stuff like 'We can only fit you in there so why don't you try that position'. But that wasn't the case, was it? I don't know. I found it very surprising. I've heard other teams doing it but not Australia. There is a plan behind everything they have done the years."