Xtra Time Web Desk: As India’s T20 World Cup campaign is scheduled for June in the USA and West Indies, reports suggest that cricket icon Virat Kohli might join forces with Rohit Sharma as the opening pair. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee is said to be discuss over this strategy, aiming to optimize Kohli’s prowess at the top of the order for the global event.
According to a recent report in Dainik Jagran, discussions surrounding Kohli’s role as an opener gained serious traction during a meeting in Mumbai last week, attended by captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Amidst ongoing speculations regarding Kohli’s position in India’s T20 World Cup squad, the meeting reportedly provided clarity on the matter, indicating a potential shift for Kohli to the opening slot.
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The uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s role in the T20 setup had persisted since the ODI World Cup last year. However, recent developments, including Kohli’s participation in the Afghanistan home series and his return to T20Is alongside Rohit after a prolonged absence, have seemingly solidified his place in the squad. Notably, Kohli had been batting at his preferred No. 3 position in recent matches, with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening alongside Rohit.
Kohli’s successful stints as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024 further solidifies the case for this strategic shift. Currently leading the batting charts in the IPL with 361 runs in seven matches and holding the coveted Orange Cap, Kohli’s impressive form adds weight to the proposition of him opening alongside Rohit Sharma at the T20 World Cup.
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Kohli as an opener in international cricket:
Virat Kohli has had success in international cricket as an opener too. He began his career as an opener in ODIs against Sri Lanka in 2008 before moving to No.3. In T20Is, he has a good record as an opener, scoring 400 runs in 9 matches at an average of 57, higher than his overall T20I average of 51. When opening, his strike rate increases from 138 to 161. His only T20I century, and the highest score by an Indian in this format, came while opening against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022. When Kohli opened with Rohit, India scored 224 runs against England, with their partnership being 94 in 9 overs. Kohli top-scored with 80 off 52 balls, while Rohit made 64 off 34 balls.