Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer has suggested a different opening combination for the Indian cricket team at the upcoming T20 World Cup, advocating for Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli to open the batting. Jaffer believes that this combination would be more effective than the current pairing of Rohit Sharma and Jaiswal.
During the T20I series against Afghanistan earlier this year, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting, with Virat Kohli coming in at number three. However, Jaffer feels that unleashing Jaiswal and Kohli at the top would provide India with a stronger start. He also believes that both Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav have the ability to adapt to the middle overs and handle spin bowling effectively.
Wasim Jaffer opined
Jaffer expressed his opinion on Twitter, stating, “Kohli & Jaiswal should open in the World Cup imo. Rohit & SKY should bat 3&4 depending on the start we get. Rohit plays spin really well so batting at 4 shouldn’t be a concern.”
Jaiswal’s explosive batting at the top of the order is well-known, and his form in the IPL 2024 season has further strengthened his case. On the other hand, Kohli’s exceptional performance for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, where he scored 741 runs in 15 matches at an average of 61.75 and a strike rate of 154.69, has made a strong case for him to open the batting for India.
Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also supported the idea of Jaiswal and Kohli opening the innings for India. He highlighted Kohli’s mastery of the first six overs, making him an ideal candidate for the opening role. Hayden also praised Rohit Sharma’s batting at number four, suggesting that his performances in that position have been superior to his opening numbers.
Matthew Hayden said
“The reason I say that is Virat is a master of the first six. And once the power hitting comes into play, there are other great options, including Rohit. Look at his figures at No. 4, they are superb. Those are better than his opening numbers,” Hayden said.
The left-hand-right-hand combination of Jaiswal and Kohli at the top of the order could provide India with the perfect start in the T20 World Cup, which is set to begin next week. With the tournament fast approaching, the Indian team management will have to make some crucial decisions regarding their batting order, taking into account the suggestions of former cricketers like Jaffer and Hayden.
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