NEW DELHI: The cricketing universe is full of gossip not just about Virat Kohli’s strike rate but also about his likely batting position for India in the forthcoming T20 World Cup. The big question is this: Should Kohli open the innings or remain at No.3?
India’s decision-makers, including captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid and Kohli himself may have already taken a stand, yet until Rohit speaks on this matter during the pre-match press conference before India plays Ireland it would remain under wraps.
A number of cricketing legends have joined the debate. Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly had come out for opening with Kohli. “Do I think he should open? Yes, certainly,” said Paine in an interview on ‘Around the Wicket’ podcast.“I reckon Virat has done enough to choose where he wants to bat whenever he wants and surely when he is as good as this.” He added, “If I were part of the management team or something I would want him facing as many balls as possible.”
“Virat is a seasoned player so I will want him at the top to face more deliveries,” said Paine. “When you have got a game changer like that who’s in red-hot form, you want him to be able to change the course of matches.”
However, Suresh Raina feels that Kohli should continue at No. 3 which brings out his best batting performance.
Aaron Finch also thinks that Kohli should stick to his familiar third spot. Finch pointed out that this season Kohli has boasted his highest ever IPL strike rate—155–and explained that by batting No. 3, he offers stability to everybody else.
“There was so much talk around it at the start of the tournament. Will he be in World Cup squad? But then taking all that aside and going out there and doing your job… striking at 155 is the greatest throughout his career, so it’s a great point. “I would still keep him at 3. The stability he offers at No. 3 creates an environment for everybody else to play their natural game.”
Finch also advised that Rohit Sharma should have Yashasvi Jaiswal as his partner upfront because of the latter’s aggressive style.
“You’ve got Jaiswal who can hit them out of the park. He can give them a flyer. I am just not sure whether Virat and Rohit at the top would create that dynamic approach that you need in West Indies,” Finch said.
The discussion on Kohli’s batting position remains a hot topic ahead of the T20 World Cup. Fans and experts alike are waiting with bated breaths for this crucial decision to come through in order to best serve India’s ambitions on global platform.
