Indian squad has reached the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the US. All eyes are on India’s opening pair ahead of their June 5 match against Ireland. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are India’s top openers, although some commentators think Virat Kohli should start. Since opening for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL, Kohli has done well.
With almost 9,000 IPL runs, Kohli leads the pack. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar explained why selectors chose Rohit and Kohli as openers. Because of Kohli’s stature in the playing XI, young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal must bat down the order.
“Ideally, I wouldn’t have chosen seniors over youth. My core players would have been younger. But selectors have backed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Now that they are in the squad, Virat Kohli cannot bat at number 3 because he loses value. Sanjay Manjrekar told the Star Sports Press Room that Rohit Sharma must open.
“India has forced itself to have only two right-handers. So Jaiswal must sit out. If I had started over, you would have had more style and a different look. Over the years, India has trusted seniors, which has failed. I hope it works this time, he said.
My ideal opener is a left-hander: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan, a former Indian pacer, favoured a left-right opening duo. Supporting Jaiswal to open with Rohit. The combination of Gautam Gambhir-Virendra Sehwag and Rohit Sharma-Shikhar Dhawan has helped India clinch ICC silverware. Lately, multi-team competitions have lacked left-handed top-order choices.
“I would like a left-hander to open with Yashasvi Jaiswal. A left-arm spinner will come in immediately if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open the batting; therefore, you must respond. Big games are difficult without a left-hand hitter. Pathan added, “I understand what Sanjay bhai is saying; many experts want Virat Kohli to open because of his opening performance and recent strike rate improvement, playing with the extra risk needed in T20 cricket.”
Also read: Sanjay Manjrekar worries about Virat Kohli in knockout matches
But if Virat bats at 3, Jaiswal can bat. When the ball is spinning, a right-hand-left-hand combination is essential. Left-arm spinners can beat right-handers on most teams. He said, “This is why you need a left-hander at the top.”
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