With the IPL 2024, nearly half done, the buzz around India’s T20 World Cup squad selection is intensifying. Now, cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle has also joined in the conversation with BCCI set to unveil the 15-member squad soon. While Rohit Sharma is already expected to open in the showpiece event, concerns have been looming over whether Virat Kohli should be paired up alongside him given his slower strike rate. With many experts having criticised Kohli for the same, Bhogle has now shared his insights on the conundrum.
Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli to open in T20 World Cup
Speaking on his YouTube channel, cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle has claimed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should be the opening pair for India during the T20 World Cup.
‘I’m not sure there is a choice if you have to play Rohit and Virat you have no choice but to have them as openers.’ said Harsha Bhogle.
Virat Kohli leads the Orange Cap race with 435 runs from nine matches at an excellent average of 61.43 and a strike rate of 145.76, but he continues to face criticism for his strike rate. On the other hand, Rohit Sharma has scored 303 runs in eight matches in IPL 2024.
‘There’s a lot being talked about Virat’s strike rate in the middle overs, and his progress against spin. How he averages with a strike rate of 130 and against spin but remember, we are talking about a world-class, one of the greats of the game will understand situations that is something that only experience gives you understanding situations. But yes, Virat has to set the game rather than being asked to rescue it in such a short-form game.’ added Harsha Bhogle speaking on the same.
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Sanju Samson to bat at No 3
On being asked whether Rajasthan Royals captain and wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson should be a part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, the cricket expert was absolutely in favour of the decision.
‘In my team? every single day. I like players who are always taking the game forward because that is at the heart of T20 cricket. In my team not only would Sanju Samson be given to bat at three but he will be given a long rope. Because of the style in which he plays, he will come off some days and he will not at others. That’s that’s the nature of the beast. ‘ said Bhogle.
‘I love what Sanju said some, maybe two or three years ago, he said, I’m not here to score the most runs. I’m here to score the runs as quickly as possible that will enable my team to have a chance of winning. So I love the way he plays. In my team, it will always be Sanju at three and SKY at four.‘ he added.
Samson has made some crucial and game-winning runs for Rajasthan this season, hitting three fifties in the process. Samson has scored 314 runs with the bat in eight games, averaging 62.80 and striking at a rate of 152.43.
The issue with Samson, however, is his role as wicketkeeper. The squad already has two extremely good candidates in KL Rahul and the returning Rishabh Pant. However, given Samson’s form and consistency, he may be selected in the squad as a pure hitter, free of the burden of wearing the gloves.
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