Kohli redeemed his opening spot with Rohit Sharma for the T20WC
Sunil Gavaskar has delivered a significant verdict on India’s opening pair for the T20 World Cup 2024, backing Virat Kohli to partner with Rohit Sharma.
This endorsement comes after Kohli’s impressive performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he scored over 700 runs, earning the Orange Cap. Despite previously criticizing Kohli’s strike rate, Gavaskar now believes Kohli’s recent form warrants his place at the top of the order alongside Sharma. During a discussion with Star Sports following the T20 World Cup opener between the USA and Canada, Gavaskar expressed his confidence in Kohli and Sharma as openers. He dismissed concerns about the left-right hand combination, emphasizing that great players like Kohli and Sharma can adapt and perform in any batting position. Gavaskar noted that Yashasvi Jaiswal, another contender for the opening spot, needs to be in better form to secure a place at the top of the order.
Gavaskar’s endorsement is based on Kohli’s stellar form, particularly in the latter half of the IPL. He stated, “Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are openers. The way Kohli has batted, particularly in the second half of the IPL, makes him deserve to open the batting with Rohit Sharma, the captain. Good players are good players, regardless of whether they’re right or left-handed.” India’s T20 World Cup campaign kicks off against Ireland on June 5, followed by a highly anticipated match against Pakistan on June 9. The Men in Blue will then face the USA on June 12 and Canada on June 15 in the final phase of the tournament. This lineup will test the team’s ability to maintain high-quality performance and expand cricket’s global presence beyond its traditional heartlands.
The strategic decision to pair Kohli and Sharma at the top is seen as a move to leverage their vast experience and recent form, aiming to provide a strong start for India in the tournament. With Gavaskar’s backing, the team hopes to capitalize on the synergy between two of its most accomplished batsmen.
[Image Source: Indian Express]
