T20 World Cup 2024
5 Likely candidates to open with Rohit Sharma in the 20-20 World Cup 2022
India is scheduled to play its first match of the World Cup against Pakistan on 23rd October.
Indian cricket is so stacked with talent that it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep players out of the playing XI. Former England cricketer Graeme Swann had recently said, “India should send their B team to Australia and win the World Cup.” Although his comments came as a humorous take on India’s cricketing strength, it is not far from the truth.
Indian second-string side has recently performed immensely well against South Africa, Ireland and now West Indies in T20Is. The Indian T20I team without the certain starters, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah and Yuzvendra Chahal defeated a strong West Indies side by a massive 68 runs in the first T20I match.
India is looking strong in all positions apart from the opening spot. With the opening slot yet to be filled, let’s look at five players who could open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the upcoming T20I World Cup in Australia.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul is the defacto Indian opener in T20Is along with Rohit Sharma. The Mangalore-born batter, however, often struggles with injuries and does not play for a large part of India’s international season.
Currently out with an injury, the 30-year-old is struggling to get into full fitness and hasn’t played a single match after the Indian T20 League ended. His immense performances in the past, however, allow him to walk into the team even after months of being out. In 56 matches, the Lucknow captain has made 1831 runs at a very impressive average of 40.69. His strike rate of 142.49 is also among the highest in the Indian team. KL Rahul would be the first choice as a Rohit Sharm partner.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Rohit (Image source: Twitter)
Graeme Swann suggested that Kohli should open the innings of India along with Rohit Sharma. Although Kohli bats at number three for India, him opening the innings is not that far-fetched idea.
The 33-year-old had already opened for his franchise Bangalore in the Indian T20 League and had done well before his dip in form began. The former best batter is currently going through a prolonged poor patch of form and has been rested to regain his lost touch. Kohli has made 3308 runs in 99 T20I with an average of 50.12.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan (Image source: Twitter)
The costliest player of the Indian T20 League last season, Ishan Kishan, has proven to be a great talent on the biggest stage. The Patna born has made 532 runs in 18 matches for India with a strike rate of over 130.
In case KL Rahul is injured, Ishan Kishan could be given a chance to open alongside Rohit Sharma. This would also allow India to have a left-right combination, something that would be helpful in bowing friendly pitches in Australia
Risabh Pant
Rishabh Pant (Image source: Twitter)
Rishabh Pant could be another surprise opener for India. The southpaw usually bats in the middle order for the national team but often bats higher up the order for Delhi in Indian T20 League.
Recently, the 24-year-old has not done well in the smallest format for the national side and a change in position could help his cause. This would also open up a slot for a sixth bowler or an additional allrounder. Pant has made 782 runs in 51 T20I matches with an average of 22.34 and a strike rate of 124.32.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav (Image source: Twitter)
The first T20I against West Indies came up with a huge surprise when Suryakumar Yadav walked in with Rohit Sharma to open the innings. The 31-year-old who has been incredible form recently always bats in the middle and has never opened the innings.
Suryakumar Yadav has made 561 runs in 20 matches with an average of 37.4 and an eyewatering strike rate of 175.86.
