The captain of India National cricket team Virat Kohli disclosed that he would be opening innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Joy Bhattacharya said that this might be a hit from Kohli to Indian selectors.
Kohli Sending a Hint
Royal Challengers Bangalore posted on social media, “Virat Kohli confirms he will be opening the batting for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL this season #INDvENG #INDvsENG #IPL #IPL2021 #RCB.” Virat Kohli has opened in 61 IPL innings so far and scored over 2300 runs at an average of 47.86, striking at 140.17. The numbers give a clear indication that Kohli loves opening. During India’s last match against England, Kohli was seen opening too with Rohit Sharma. He remained unbeaten with 80 runs and later revealed that he would love to continue with the role.
His decision to open at the top for RCB and then opening the innings for India national cricket team might be a hint to the Indian selectors according to Joy Bhattacharya. The cricket pundit said, “Virat loves his RCB[Royal Challenegers Bangalore] but he loves his India colors more than anything else and who would blame him for that. If he’s deciding to open throughout the IPL, that’s clearly also sending a message to the selectors saying that’s the position I want to play in the World Cup.”
Bhattacharya added, “He’s also saying ‘this is my position, this is where I am trying to make a stand, guys think of me in that position’.” Kohli meanwhile opened for the 8th time in India’s blue in the 5th T20I against England.
Vaughan on Kohli’s Opening for RCB
Indian Premier League is set to start from April 9 this year. The preparations have begun. Regarding Kohli’ decision to open RCB innings in this IPL edition, Michael Vaughan said that it would make the Bangalore side stronger. “He [Virat Kohli] could bat anywhere but I think they [Team India and RCB] have found something. I think the RCB will be a lot stronger by having Virat Kohli at the top of the order. He will be so consistent on those wickets.”
Former England skipper added, “I think he will have some fun over the next few months opening the batting. We are going to see some fine innings.”
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