Picture Credit: BCCI
Ahead of the prestigious ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, former Indian left-handed cricketer Rohan Gavaskar has suggested that Team India star batter Virat Kohli could open the innings for the Men in Blue in Twenty20 Internationals.
In his last T20I game, 33-year-old Virat Kohli smashed his 71st century and maiden T20I ton in the Super Four fixture against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022.
During an interaction with Sports18, Rohan Gavaskar said, "Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it’s a great option. You look at his T20 numbers, they are outstanding. He averages about 55-57 and his strike rate is about 160. Those are phenomenal numbers. His last innings, again unbeaten innings of 122, tells you that he probably relishes opening as well.
"If memory serves me right, he wanted to open or he said he wanted to open in the Indian T20 league in this edition or the last edition, he said that’s the spot I want to be. So, it’s obviously something that he wants to do. So, it’s definitely a big option for the Indian team," Gavaskar stated.
Further, Gavaskar suggested the other changes in the batting order as he stated Suryakumar Yadav can bat at number three and KL Rahul will have to make way despite his classy batting style.
He said: "It does open up those options and you’re right, SKY batting at number 3 it’s a pleasing thought. But I have to say if Virat opens, he showed what a tremendous success he is as an opener. It means one of my favourite players will have to make way which is KL Rahul."
"Because KL Rahul, I’ve said this before, he’s an absolute class act. So look, it’s one of those tricky sorts of situations but SKY at number 3, I think that’s what we want. His numbers you know and as rightly said, he’s one of the best batters in T20," he added.
Meanwhile, Team India will host Australia for a three-match T20I series starting on September 20 at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.