Gavaskar Bats
Sunil Gavaskar, one of India’s greatest batsmen, has strongly advised Virat Kohli to open alongside Rohit Sharma at the T20 World Cup. Given his impressive IPL 2024 performances, Gavaskar believes Kohli needs to lead off as opener.Gavaskar Bats
Though Kohli usually batted third for India in white-ball cricket, this season he excelled as the No 1 batsman with 741 runs from 15 matches – winning him the Orange Cap award and earning himself bragging rights among his countrymen.Gavaskar Bats
Gavaskar Bats 1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli took charge of India’s T20I series against England without Rohit Sharma at the top of their batting order, forging a 94-run partnership in the final T20I that has caused some observers to speculate whether he can continue this form alongside Rohit. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, believes it would be wrong not to feature him alongside Rohit as India’s openers Gavaskar Bats
Gavaskar, who will turn 73 next month, backed Kohli to open with Rohit at the World Cup that begins in New York on June 5. His decision was influenced by Kohli’s impressive showing in IPL 2024 for Royal Challengers Bangalore while opening.T20 World Cup
Although Kohli is most often seen batting third for Team India in white-ball cricket, he did open in one T20I back in 2021 alongside Rohit Sharma – they scored an unbeaten 142 off just 61 deliveries in that innings!
Gavaskar acknowledges Kohli is inexperienced at opening in T20 cricket and this could have played into management’s decision to keep him at No 3, however given his form, Gavaskar believes he deserves to open with Rohit. Gavaskar told Star Sports, “With the way he has been batting recently he should open alongside Rohit.”
Gavaskar Bats Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan’s inclusion in India’s ODI team for the T20 World Cup has caused quite a stir. After spending much of his white-ball career batting at number three, Dhawan is back as an opener in ODIs and T20s – he even scored an unbeaten 121 off just 76 balls during one warm-up match and later joined Rohit at the top of India’s order against England during five matches against them.
Gavaskar noted Dhawan has been an effective option at the top of the order; however, Kohli should open with him during this tournament due to their dynamic. Gavaskar highlighted how important batting partners can be and praised Kohli for his recent form, noting he “deserves” to open with Rohit.
Gavaskar has come out in support of keeping Kohli at the top of the order and believes it is vital that he establish his groove from ball one. He noted how crucial it was that Kohli settle into his groove early.
He noted that it can be daunting to walk out to bat alone, and requires time and understanding between batting partners to build an understanding. Kohli will likely experience his best form when opening with Rohit as his opening partner.
Gavaskar Bats 3. Ishan Kishan
In short form cricket, having a good opening partner is of paramount importance. Both partners need to click in order to do their best for the team; otherwise it would be challenging for either batsman to perform well individually.
Ishan Kishan has certainly done his part. The young Jharkhand batsman made waves during IPL 2017, with his brand of aggressive cricket making waves among his counterparts and winning over fans and rivals alike. After this success carried over into Ranji season – eventually becoming top run-scorer and earning him selection in India’s World Cup squad for 2019.
Kishan made an explosive start to his tournament, scoring 13-ball and 23-ball half centuries in his first two innings. Unfortunately, in subsequent innings he struggled to find his form; though eventually it did come back somewhat; these weren’t vintage Kishan innings we were seeing then.
Gavaskar notes how Rohit has found his form and made some important runs for RCB in their last three matches, particularly his 65-run partnership with Kohli in the final T20I, providing us a glimpse into his prime. For that reason alone, Gavaskar urges Rohit and Rohit’s partnership to continue.
Gavaskar Bats 4. Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav may have only recently emerged as a reserve player in India’s limited-overs cricket setup; however, his impressive performances over the last year have shown his ability to take up lead roles, especially T20Is.
Suryakumar has quickly built his career from its slow beginnings, becoming one of India’s premier white-ball batsmen. He made waves during India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign as he top scored and also took home Player of the Tournament honours.Gavaskar Bats
Suryakumar was also instrumental in helping Mumbai Indians win some crucial games this season, opening alongside Rohit in their final T20I against England at Wankhede Stadium and scoring some excellent runs as India secured a convincing win.Gavaskar Bats
Sunil Gavaskar believes the pair has shown exceptional promise at opening for India during T20 World Cup and therefore should continue doing so during their campaign at Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York, beginning against Ireland on June 5. They are part of Group A alongside Pakistan, USA, and Ireland while Hardik Pandya will likely lead their side without Rohit Sharma leading.
