Kamran Akmal, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter, has called India’s choice of opening with Kohli in T20 World Cup as a big mistake.
In India’s first match of the tournament against Ireland, Kohli was dismissed for just 1 off 5 balls. However, it seems like the Indian team management is likely to continue with such a batting order in their crucial match against Pakistan on Sunday.
Akmal said that he disagrees with this strategy and advised that Kohli should be placed at No.3 where he can hold the innings together and steer through to the middle overs.
“I don’t think we have got our batting order right. Virat Kohli is capable of taking pressure at No.3 and finishing games; that is very important for Team India.Yashaswi Jaiswal should start the inning. After thatKohlishould come three.IfIndiaarestickingtothebattingorder(0fKohli)openingthenmaygetstuckatsomepoint.Kohlitakesoneendandfinishesthegame.IfeelIndiaremakingamistakebyopeningwithKohli.” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL franchisee has been extensively using him as an opener by his captain, Koli. In the recently concluded IPL,Koli emerged as Orange Cap winner after scoring 741 runs in 154 strike rates.
They staged a comprehensive performance in their first game but it will be different ball game altogether while facing Pakistan. Shocked by defeat to USA,Pakistan must bounce back
“India will be confident.Bumrah bowled well, Siraj did well.Hardik Pandya also got wickets.They have three matches at the same venue, that will also be an advantage”, added Kamran.
He also criticized ICC over poor pitches during marquee matches played in New York.“ICC will have to produce better pitches for big matches.Otherwise, people will go away from this World Cup,” he warned.
All eyes will be on India’s batting order as they face a high-stakes encounter against Pakistan, with the question being whether Kohli is retained as an opener.
