Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup debut as an opener did not go according to plan as the former India captain was dismissed for 1 off 5 balls in India’s Group A match against Ireland at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.
However, for India’s upcoming match against Pakistan, the Indian team management intends to use the opening pairing of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. As a must-win game for Pakistan following their shocking loss to the USA, Sunday’s match between the archrivals could decide the outcome of this group.
Virat Kohli To Open Up In Match vs Pakistan
In the match against Ireland, India made the decision to drop designated opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and move Kohli to the top of the order to play an extra-large batter, Shivam Dube, in the middle order. If Vikram Rathour, India’s batting coach, is any indication, the team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 will likely use the same lineup against Pakistan. India defeated Ireland by 8 wickets.
Virat Kohli as a Opener In IPL
For the past few seasons, Virat Kohli has been the designated opener for his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His performance at the 17th tournament, which just finished, was outstanding. After scoring 741 runs at a strike rate of 154, Kohli was awarded the Orange Cap, which is given to the player with the most runs scored. This was his highest score in the IPL’s history.
Rishabh Pant To Step On NO.3
In the two matches Gasp has played in this World Cup (counting the warm-up), he has given a decent record of himself on a drowsy New York track. India secured an easy victory thanks to Pant’s unbeaten 36 runs off 26 balls. One to remember was his reverse scoop against Josh Little to win the game.
Hardik Pandya’s Good Performance In Previous Match
In the Ireland match, India checked another box with Hardik Pandya’s performance. The all-rounder returned with figures of 3/27 in his four overs after a difficult stint as Mumbai Indians captain in the IPL.