Parthiv Patel picks his second opener alongside Rohit Sharma for 20-20 World Cup

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel reckons that India’s limited-overs vice-captain KL Rahul would be the first-choice opener along with Rohit Sharma during the 20-20 T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia later this year. Youngster Ishan Kishan had opened alongside Rohit in the first T20I against the West Indies on Wednesday and played a great supporting knock by scoring 35 runs.

The Hitman, on the other hand, played a whirlwind knock scoring 40 runs off just 19 deliveries. His innings included four boundaries and three maximums at a strike rate of 1210.5. Just when it appeared as if the skipper would single-handedly get the job done for his side, he was dismissed in the eighth over by Roston Chase.

“KL Rahul is a long-term opening option for me. When Rahul returns to the team, I think he will open the innings with Rohit. Personally, I feel he will open with Rohit in the T20 World Cup,” said Parthiv Patel while speaking to Cricbuzz.

“Ishan Kishan is not a bad option when he is in rhythm. When he is in the right mind space, he allows Rohit to take a bit of time. But I think it will be Rahul and Rohit at the World Cup”, he added.

Rahul is not a part of the Indian squad for the three-match series as he has been ruled out after having sustained an upper left hamstring strain while fielding during the second ODI against the Windies. India won the series-opener by six wickets.