Virat Kohli is preparing for T20I | But Not Open With Rohit
In the present T20I series against Afghanistan, the former Indian cricket team wicket-keeper says Virat Kohli should not open the batting with Rohit Sharma.
Former Indian cricket team wicket-keeper Saba Karim says that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should not open the batting in the present T20I series against Afghanistan. India trounced Afghanistan in the opening T20I on Thursday in Mohali, but Kohli did not play due to “personal reasons.” However, the great hitter will return for the second game, and there are rumors that he could replace Rohit as Rohit’s opening partner. Saba believes that India will require Kohli to play a key role at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup, and that given the pitch conditions in the West Indies, Kohli should stay to his traditional role.
“Virat Kohli will come in, and there is a good chance he will open the batting with Rohit Sharma.” I’m looking at No. 3 Virat Kohli. Given that the World Cup will be held in the West Indies and the United States, India will be playing on slow wickets. You need someone who can dominate the entire innings, and I believe Rohit Sharma believes Virat Kohli is capable of doing so. Come in at No. 3 and command the innings, remaining an anchor until the end – whether setting a target or chasing. “I’d like to see Virat Kohli at No. 3 once he returns,” he stated in the post-match commentary on Star Sports.
India’s peripheral players, led by Shivam Dube, capitalized on opportunities to secure a six-wicket victory.
After India dominated the powerplay, Afghanistan reached 158 for five thanks to a spirited 68-run partnership off 43 balls between the experienced Mohammad Nabi (42 off 27) and the young Azmatullah Omarzai (29 off 22).
In strong batting conditions, the total produced was insufficient, and India won handily in 17.3 overs.
Dube (26 off 22 balls) and Tilak Varma (26 off 22 balls) shared a 44-run stand off 29 balls to give India innings pace after losing the openers inside four overs.
Rohit Sharma (0), making his return to T20s after 14 months, and Shubman Gill (23) were embroiled in an unnecessary mix-up, limiting the Indian captain’s stay to only two balls. Rohit, who is typically calm and collected, was enraged when Gill ignored his request for a quick single.
Gill did not last long, but Varma and Dube were able to carry the innings forward, and India did not look back from there.
Dube, seen as a back-up to the injury-prone Hardik Pandya, used his long levers effectively, and his dismissive drives on the off side stood out. He finished the game with a six and four in the fine leg region.
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Jitesh Sharma (31 off 20) also did well before Rinku Singh (16 not out off 9) joined Dube in the middle and led the side home.
The question is why they did not play following the previous T20 World Cup. We didn’t play them because we were preparing for an ODI World Cup and wanted to focus on that. That is why they extended their spots to other young players who were possibly considering competing in the T20 World Cup. So that’s fantastic from both of them, and even the selectors and team management get it. Because, as we approach the ODI World Cup, it is better to concentrate on the ODIs, and we also have the WTC. So they concentrated on Test and ODI cricket. They should be back in action now that we’re approaching a T20.”
Prasad, whose four-year tenure as chief of selectors ended in December 2019, also discussed who he believes would be included in the final T20 World Cup squad: “I think players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and, for that matter, Shami, Bumrah, Siraj, Jadeja, and Hardik Pandya.” Other than those names, I believe players like Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson, if KL Rahul is keeping wickets, who is your backup keeper? What if Rishabh Pant is in shape? What if Ishan Kishan is all set? What is the order in which we will select him? So I don’t believe we require someone at the top of the list.
We needed someone in the middle order, so if Sanju enters the competition, all of these factors would be considered. For someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal or even Shubman Gill, form will undoubtedly be a factor; he’s established, but these are a few spots that will undoubtedly be determined by their performance in the IPL. So it’s critical that they keep ringing the bell to give the selectors a headache.”
First and foremost, Hardik must exercise. He must first begin playing cricket, which is critical. Hardik Pandya checks all the boxes once he accomplishes it. He has previously served as captain. We don’t sure what the selectors were thinking or what happened internally, but Hardik will join the team as soon as he is fit. He must play matches prior to the World Cup. We don’t sure when he’ll play, but he’s working hard to get ready. He is the world’s best all-rounder, and every team wants him.
