Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma as openers: While some observers consider Irfan Pathan, the former India all-rounder, to be worried about Yashasvi Jaiswal’s form in the Indian Premier League because his lean run might cause the Indian team think of their opening combination for the T20 World Cup.
That is as Jaiswal was restricted to only four runs when Rajasthan Royals went down 4-0 to Punjab Kings at Guwahati.
On Star Sports, Pathan said that this is a matter of great concern since he thinks that Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup being left handed. In such a case, the opposing team will not start with a left-arm spinner. Therefore, they will be reluctant if he is in form but with current form, the team will think twice,” Pathan said.
The other question comes up: according to what he was saying on television station Star Sports who does Pathan feel India may go with between an in-form Virat Kohli opening alongside Rohit Sharma or persisting with Jaiswal who is relatively young and inexperienced?
“The Men in Blue will also have to decide whether they want an informed Virat Kohli at first slip partnered by Rohit Sharma or whether it would be better to rely on a younger player like Yashasvi Jaiswal. He really needs to get into some kind of form for that though,” added Pathan.
While in IPL 2024 Jaiswal has managed 348 runs from 13 innings, Kohli has scored 661 runs while playing as opener for RCB this season.
However, losing Buttler may have affected them badly although according Pathan there are few positive aspects regarding this matter too as Yashasvi might get chances due to his team’s qualification into Top Two if they make it there.“This means that Yashasvi could possibly benefit from more opportunities despite this form. So there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well,” said Pathan.
One of the examples that were mentioned by Pathan was Jaiswal’s dismissal in Guwahati against Punjab after which he went to analyze the batsman’s style highlighting his uncertainty and lack of resolve.
