Simon Doull, the ex-New Zealand fast bowler, said that Virat Kohli and Rohit should face the new ball for India as openers in their T20 World Cup opener against Ireland on Wednesday. In T20Is, this couple has only batted once together opening the innings, against England in 2021.
His recent success at the top of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2024 where he scored 741 runs with an average of 49.40 from 15 matches despite opening only nine times out of his total T20I innings played (109) indicates his potential as a top order batsman.
Doull told Cricbuzz: “My team would have Virat and Rohit opening the batting. They are the two best players to do that at this point of time and Rishabh Pant for a point of difference at 3 as a left-hand option. SKY (Suryakumar Yadav) at 4 and then you have Dube, Hardik and Jadeja at 5, 6 and 7. It just sits quite nicely for me and the Indian line-up. If they go down that road, I think it’s the best way.” However, there is also a possibility Jaiswal may start given rumours about him doing well during practice sessions.
“Jaiswal was first into nets today,” add Doull. “They’ve given him plenty of opportunity. That would surprise me if they bring him in. Who do they leave out? Shivam Dube? That would surprise me a touch.”
He was quite inconsistent during IPL 2024 but had good runs in international games going by his numbers- Jaiswal hitting an average of 33.46 per inning with SR (strike rate) being very high-161.93 (17 matches) same year.
Doull also suggested that wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant may be sent in to bat at 3. Pant played at this position in India’s practice match against Bangladesh, contributing 53 runs from 32 balls.
“I wanted to get him into this side and break up that middle-order trio of lefties. I didn’t know about Hardik Pandya initially, so where do I put Rishabh Pant? Take away say him, Dube and Jadeja… all batting at 5, 6 and 7. And just giving the top order a little point of difference. I’m glad they tried it against Bangladesh. It worked well. Will they go with it again? I think they should.” Doull clarified.
The focus is still on how India will open their batting and the rest of their lineup as they prepare for their first game of the T20 WC against Ireland.
