Sunil Gavaskar Suggests Virat Kohli as Opener
Sunil Gavaskar, an Indian cricket legend, has proposed a surprising change for India’s T20 World Cup match against Ireland. He believes that Virat Kohli should open the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma. Traditionally, Kohli has played at the number three spot in the white-ball format. However, after a stellar IPL season where he scored 741 runs in 15 matches with an average of 61.75 and a strike rate over 154, Gavaskar thinks Kohli is better suited as an opener. This change would move Yashasvi Jaiswal, another top performer, to the number three position.
Kohli’s IPL Performance Influences Gavaskar’s Choice
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Virat Kohli’s recent performance in the IPL has been exceptional. Opening for Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kohli accumulated 741 runs across 15 matches. His impressive average of 61.75 and a high strike rate of 154.10 included a century and five fifties. This remarkable run has prompted Gavaskar to suggest Kohli open for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup match against Ireland. Kohli’s consistent form and ability to handle pressure make him a strong candidate for this role.
Gavaskar’s Picks for Middle Order and Wicketkeeper
For the middle order, Gavaskar has chosen Suryakumar Yadav to bat at number four and Rishabh Pant at five. He prefers Pant over Sanju Samson for the wicketkeeping role due to Pant’s dynamic batting and experience. Hardik Pandya is picked for the number six spot, offering both batting power and bowling options. Following him, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is slated for number seven. Gavaskar’s choices aim to create a balanced and strong middle order capable of both stabilizing the innings and accelerating when needed.
Bowlers and Lower Order Selections
Gavaskar has made strategic picks for the bowling line-up as well. He includes Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj in the lower order. Dube, a versatile player, is included for his all-round capabilities. Kuldeep Yadav, a skilled spinner, provides variety in the bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah, known for his pace and accuracy, is a crucial player, and Mohammed Siraj is preferred over Arshdeep Singh for his recent form and effectiveness. This combination is expected to offer both defensive strength and wicket-taking ability.
After facing Ireland, India’s next challenge will be against their arch-rivals, Pakistan. Gavaskar’s suggested line-up aims to bring out the best in the team for these crucial matches.
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