T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli reportedly asked the selection committee for clarity about his spot in India’s T20 World Cup team. The selectors came up with a new idea.
You might see Virat Kohli opening the batting with Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup in June in the USA and West Indies. The selection committee, led by Ajit Agarkar, is interested in having Kohli as Rohit’s opening partner for the tournament. According to a report in Dainik Jagran, the possibility of Kohli opening was discussed seriously in a meeting in Mumbai last week. Captain Rohit, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar attended the meeting.
There has been a lot of speculation about Kohli’s spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad, which will be announced in two weeks. But all doubts have reportedly been settled. Kohli’s place in the T20 team was uncertain when Rohit, Dravid, and the selectors met after the ODI World Cup last year. However, much has changed in the last few months.
Kohli made himself available for the home series against Afghanistan. He and Rohit returned to T20I cricket for the first time in almost two years. Kohli batted at his preferred No.3 position in the two matches he played, while Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting with Rohit.
But for the upcoming T20 World Cup, things might change. The report says that Kohli wanted clear information from the selection committee about his spot in the T20 World Cup, and they came up with the idea of him opening the batting.
Kohli has been opening the batting often for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in recent IPL seasons. He is currently the Orange Cap leader with 361 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 147. He has already scored a century.
Table of Contents
T20 World Cup – Virat Kohli’s performance as an opener
Kohli started his international career as an opener in ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2008. Later, he moved to the No.3 position and made it his own. He has a strong record as an opener in T20Is. In 9 matches, the former India captain has scored 400 runs at an average of 57, which is higher than his overall T20I average of 51.
Kohli’s strike rate as an opener in T20Is is impressive. It goes from 138 to 161 when he opens the batting. His only T20I century, which is also the highest individual score by an Indian in T20 cricket, was achieved while opening against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022.
The one time Kohli opened with Rohit Sharma, India scored 224 runs against England. Their opening partnership was 94 runs in 9 overs. Kohli scored 80 off 52 balls, while Rohit hit a quick 64 off 34 balls.
Yashasvi Jaiswal might have to sit out if Kohli opens with Rohit
If Kohli and Rohit open together in the T20 World Cup, it will create space in India’s middle order for power hitters like Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, or Riyan Parag. These players can attack the opposition after the powerplay. Suryakumar Yadav could then bat at No.3 and have more balls to make a bigger impact on the game.
However, this change would mean Yashasvi Jaiswal may have to sit out. The selectors are leaning toward taking Shubman Gill as a backup opener because of his strong IPL performance. Before the IPL started, Jaiswal was the favorite for the opener’s spot, but Gill has been more consistent. Jaiswal hasn’t performed as well so far, but being a left-hander might work in his favor.
