By Our Special Correspondent
Despite India not winning the Asia Cup 2022, the return to form of talismanic batsman Virat Kohli has brought great joy to Indian fans. He was scratched while scoring 35 in his 100th T20 against Pakistan. But as the tournament progressed, his fluency continued to grow.
After two half-centuries and a duck, Kohli scored a sensational, career-best 122* against Afghanistan, ending his century drought in 1020-day formats. The effort that sent fans into a frenzy came when Captain Rohit Sharma opted to rest to sign off the most from Asia Cup 2022, when he opened the batting alongside KL Rahul.
Now, former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar feels that Kohli opening the batting can become a huge option for the side ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia next month.
"Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it's a great option. You look at his T20 numbers, they are outstanding. He averages about 55-57 and his strike rate is about 160. Those are phenomenal numbers."
"His last innings, again unbeaten innings of 122, tells you that he probably relishes opening as well. If memory serves me right, he wanted to open or he said he wanted to open in the Indian T20 league (IPL) in this edition or the last edition, he said that's the spot I want to be. So, it's obviously something that he wants to do. So, it's definitely a big option for the Indian team," said Gavaskar on 'Sports over the Top' show on Sports18.
With Kohli showing signs of his dominant old self again, opening the batting with him will mean that KL Rahul, whose approach with the bat in T20Is hasn't been impressive, will have to drop out of the eleven, with Suryakumar Yadav pushed to three, something which according to Gavaskar could well be a possibility.
"It does open up those options and you're right, SKY (Suryakumar) batting at number 3 it's a pleasing thought. But I have to say if Virat opens, he showed what a tremendous success he is as an opener. It means one of my favorites players will have to make way which is KL Rahul."
"Because KL Rahul, I've said this before, he's an absolute class act. So look, it's one of those tricky sorts of situations but SKY at number 3, I think that's what we want. His numbers you know and as rightly said, he's one of the best batters in T20."
India's next match in the format will be the first of three T20Is against Australia on September 20 in Mohali.
Comentários