The T20 World Cup 2024 is about to kickoff for India, and a major question mark hangs over – who will open alongside Rohit Sharma? The designated opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has been impressive, but Virat Kohli’s red-hot form in IPL 2024 has fired a hot debate. Could the talismanic batsman be the answer at the top alongside skipper Rohit Sharma?
IPL 2024 adds fuel to Virat Kohli’s fire
Jaiswal has been groomed for the role, showcasing his explosive talent in Tests and T20Is. However, Kohli’s IPL 2024 campaign was nothing short of phenomenal. He bagged the Orange Cap, amassing 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.70 (his career-best strike rate). This resurgence in form, particularly his ability to take a full toll and find boundaries early on, makes a compelling case for him to open.
Indian Cricket
The advantage of a Kohli-Sharma opening pair is two-fold. Firstly, it forces both of them to capitalize on the powerplay overs. Both batsmen are adept in judging alien conditions quickly and putting the opposition on the back foot. Secondly, a solid opening partnership frees up the middle order. Players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, all known for their big-hitting prowess, can come in and play their natural game with a strong foundation laid.
Virat Kohli numbers as an opener in T20Is
| Innings | Runs | Average | SR | 50/100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 400 | 57.14 | 161.29 | 2/1 |
However, Jaiswal’s talent and X-factor in the existing combination shouldn’t be disregarded. The T20 World Cup could witness a new opening act for India, and Virat Kohli’s name at the top of the order would certainly grab headlines.
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