 |
| File Photo |
The excitement surrounding the upcoming T20 World Cup is not just about the tournament itself but also about the composition of India's squad. Recent reports suggest that Virat Kohli, the former India captain, is set to open the batting with current skipper Rohit Sharma in the mega event slated for June in the USA and West Indies.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is said to have seriously considered this move during a meeting in Mumbai, which included Rohit, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. This decision comes amidst speculations about Kohli's position in the T20 squad, particularly after his availability for the Afghanistan home series and his return to T20I cricket after a significant hiatus.
Kohli, who has been a regular opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, has showcased his prowess in this role with impressive performances, currently holding the Orange Cap with 361 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 147, including a century. His track record as an opener in international cricket also supports this move, with a stellar average of 57 in T20Is when batting at the top.
The move to have Kohli open alongside Rohit not only leverages his batting prowess but also allows for a strategic reshuffle in India's middle-order, potentially accommodating power hitters like Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, or Riyan Parag. This restructuring would see Suryakumar Yadav slot in at No.3, giving him more opportunities to make a significant impact on the game.
However, this decision also has implications for other players. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially considered a frontrunner for the opening slot, might have to make way if Kohli partners with Rohit. The selectors are reportedly leaning towards Shubman Gill as a backup opener, given his consistent performances in the IPL.
The dynamics of the team composition are further influenced by factors such as left-hand batting (Jaiswal's advantage) and overall IPL form. Gill's reliability in the tournament has slightly tilted the scales in his favor, although Jaiswal's capabilities are not discounted.
In past partnerships, when Kohli and Rohit have opened together, they have delivered impactful performances, including a notable partnership against England where they contributed significantly to India's high-scoring total.
© www.cricketxpedia.com
