Famed West Indian cricketer Brian Lara has pinpointed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as the dynamic opening pair to shine in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Highlighting their potential synergy the 55yearold stresses the significance of Team India sticking with them without contemplating alterations.
Contrary to expectations, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not performed well in the tournament’s first three matches. Their relationship has yet to translate to the powerplay, with Kohli’s performance being the most troubling, with three single-figure scores.
Brian Lara told Star Sports that India had the option of playing a right-hand and left-hand combo, but they made the right decision by inserting Kohli and Rohit. The Trinidadian explained:
“Definitely, India had the option to play a left-right opening partnership. They went with two great players, two guys who’ve done a great job for India with the bat for their individual franchise as well in terms of the captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Brian Lara
Brian Lara added:
“I think they’ve got to stick with it as you just said if you do make changes on top, Virat Kohli has to come in the order a little bit lower and that’s going to upset things there.”
Even though India finished the New York leg with three wins in a row, Rohit Sharma said that batting at the venue has not been easy. Notably, the totals defended in New York have been 119 and 113, respectively, with India completing the best successful run-chase of 111 against the United States.
“I don’t believe you start making changes especially if you’re winning” – Brian Lara
Lara believes the wickets in the West Indies will allow the Indian combination to fire, while the conditions in the United States were not ideal. He added:
“At some point in time, they’re going to come good with conditions, the batting conditions in the USA were not the very best. I don’t believe you start making changes especially if you’re winning.”
Brian Lara
The seven-wicket victory over the United States secured India’s position in the Super Eight stage. The Men in Blue will play their last group game against Canada on June 15.