India posted their proposed T20 World Cup opening combination of Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. Pakistan’s former wicketkeeper-batter, Kamran Akmal, did not like the idea of opening with Virat Kohli. This was proven in India’s first game against Ireland in the T20I series, where Kohli and Rohit Sharma opened the innings instead of the opener, Yasashvi Jaiswal.
Even though this tactic failed to bear fruit, it appears that the Indian team management has no intention of making changes to the batting lineup they intend to use in the next match against Pakistan.
Virat Kohli’s Ideal Batting Position
https://gty.im/2156200618
Kamran Akmal, however, feels that Virat Kohli should be batting in the middle order, which is No. 3 in this case, instead of being in the opening slot. In his opinion, Kohli does better when it comes to handling the pressure, as well as match-ending capabilities that would be more appropriate for the third batsman. But he urged Yashasvi Jaiswal to bat at the top and let Kohli play his usual innings in the middle-over phase.
Also read: Sensational Kedar Jadhav: A Farewell to Cricket and the Iconic Century Against England Along With Kohli
Virat Kohli’s IPL Performance
https://gty.im/2156193265
For instance, Akmal underscored the fact that Virat Kohli has been very effective as an opener for his IPL side, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He had a good IPL season, which saw him win the coveted Orange Cap based on having the best batting average in the competition. So this boosted my argument that Kohli should bat at the top of the order for the T20 World Cup.
Akmal further agrees that Kohli opening the innings resolves many batting line-up conundrums as far as India is concerned. It gives much-needed flexibility in the middle order, thus enabling players such as Shivam Dube to be included in the team. It also allows Rishabh Pant to bat higher up the order, where he can make more of an impact.
Also read: Babar Azam Reflects on Pakistan’s Early Upset Against USA in T20 World Cup
India’s Strong Start
While there have been controversies of late about Virat Kohli’s positioning as an opener, India began their T20 World Cup in good fashion by beating Ireland comprehensively. The key performers include opener Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and young all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who kept the Indian camp hoping high for more joy in the much-anticipated game against Pakistan.
Akmal also complained about how good or bad the pitches in New York are. He also said that the ICC has to pay more attention to providing superior pitches if important games are to be staged. as long as the World Cup retains its present charm for cricket lovers all over the globe.
Also read: Hardik Pandya Prepares for India vs. Pakistan Clash in T20 World Cup
About The Author
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports offers. Follow us on X, @TotalApexSports, and read our content on two other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports
