Aakash Chopra has observed that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are not regarded as the most explosive opening duos in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. His choice for the most impactful opening partnership in the current tournament stands with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler.
During the ongoing T20 World Cup matches in the United States of America and the West Indies Rohit Sharma has accumulated a total of 76 runs in four innings boasting a striking rate of 111.76. In contrast Virat Kohli has struggled amassing only 29 runs across four knocks at a striking rate of 87.87.
In a video segment published on his YouTube channel Chopra discussed identifying the potentially most explosive opening partnership for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. Excluding Rohit and Kohli as contenders he delved into the explanation:
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to put Rohit and Virat’s name on that list because they are not even consistent as of now, and secondly, they are definitely not explosive if you see it from that perspective. Both have the ability – yes, but are they currently – no.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India batsman chose Phil Salt and Jos Buttler over David Warner and Travis Head for the award.
“So from a very unbiased point of view, I feel they are not on this list. So Phil Salt with Jos Buttler, and David Warner with Travis Head will remain. It’s an incredibly close fight. I am actually going with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, although Travis Head and David Warner are equally dangerous.”
Aakash Chopra
Salt has scored 158 runs at a strike rate of 177.52 in five innings of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Buttler has been less damaging, scoring 108 runs with a strike rate of 131.70 from five hits.
“I still remember the amazing knock Phil Salt played against the West Indies” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was highly impressed by Phil Salt’s devastating knock against the West Indies.
“There are two left-handers on one side and two right-handers on the other. I still remember the amazing knock Phil Salt played against the West Indies, although Travis Head also destroyed Bangladesh recently. Both (pairs) are in good form and are playing well.”
Aakash Chopra
The cricketer-turned-commentator noted that India could face both starting partnerships in their next few games.
“Both are good opening partnerships and both at some stage will play against us for sure. The Australian ones will be seen playing on the 24th and maybe the England ones in the semi-final on the 27th, but I feel Jos Buttler-Phil Salt. I am going with them.”
Aakash Chopra
Salt has scored faster than both Australian openers, and Jos Buttler is the slowest of the four. Travis Head has smashed 179 runs with a strike rate of 155.65 in five innings, while David Warner has 169 runs in five innings at a little lower strike rate of 148.24.