With the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 just a month away, all eyes are on the Indian cricket team’s squad selection, particularly the position of their talismanic batter, Virat Kohli.
While Kohli’s place in the 15-member squad seems assured, speculations are rife over his batting position when India takes on Ireland in their opening encounter on June 6.
Kohli and his long-time opening partner, Rohit Sharma, are expected to be the first two names on India’s T20 World Cup squad list.
However, the duo had not played a T20I match for over a year since India’s exit from the 2022 World Cup, making their comeback in January 2024 during a series against Afghanistan.
The debate surrounding Kohli’s batting position has ignited a diverse range of opinions from former cricket greats and experts.
Former BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and several other cricketing legends believe that Kohli should open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, leveraging their formidable partnership and experience.
However, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has a different viewpoint. In an interview with Star Sports, Harbhajan advocated for the inclusion of the promising youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. “I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma should open for India, and Virat Kohli should come at no.3,” Harbhajan reportedly stated.
Harbhajan further elaborated on his preference for a left-right combination at the top, saying, “If six seven overs are played, and if we have a player like Shivam Dube, he can walk in at no.3. Kohli can then walk in at 4.” According to the Hindustan Times, Harbhajan emphasized the significance of using a “horses-for-courses approach” without undervaluing any player’s abilities or contributions.
“Kohli is a great player; whether he plays at no.3 or 4, the team comes first. Even if you ask him this question, he will say the team comes first,” Harbhajan added, highlighting Kohli’s team-first mentality.
Meanwhile, legendary former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh underscored the significance of having both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s squad for their fortunes at this year’s pinnacle global event.
However, Yuvraj suggested that the duo should consider retiring from T20I cricket after the completion of the T20 World Cup and concentrate on other formats.
“As you get older, people start talking about your age, and they forget about your form. The ICC quoted Yuvraj as saying, “These guys have been great players for India, and they deserve to go (retire) when they want.
India’s campaign at the T20 World Cup 2024 will commence on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
As India attempts to reclaim the coveted T20 World Cup trophy, cricket fans all over the world will undoubtedly be closely watching the team’s performance and Kohli’s batting position.
The Information is Collected from Live Mint, Hindustan Times and Times of India
