Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu says the Men in Blue should not panic and replace their opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the upcoming T20 World Cup. Rohit and Kohli have combined for just 22 and 12 runs in their two opening partnerships, with the latter removed on one and four, respectively.
There has been much discussion over whether it is time for Virat Kohli to return to the No. 3 slot, where he scored a lot of runs for India, and whether Yashasvi Jaiswal should be brought in to open with Rohit Sharma.
However, speaking with Star Sports, Ambati Rayudu gave insight on Virat Kohli’s aim, notwithstanding his expulsion. Ambati Rayudu said:
“I don’t think there’s any need to change the combination right now. We saw a great cover drive and even on the ball that he (Kohli) got dismissed (against Pakistan), he had played a fine shot and just couldn’t get the elevation to clear the fielder. The intent he showed was great and if both Virat and Rohit can bat with this intent, then the big days will come when either one of them or both will win India the game one-sided.”
Ambati Rayudu
Virat Kohli had a fantastic IPL 2024 as an opener, amassing 741 runs and won the Orange Cap. His opening pair with Rohit Sharma allowed India to take a risk on Rishabh Pant at No. 3, which has been successful thus far.
Piyush Chawla on Virat Kohli’s intent
Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was also there during the debate and agreed with Ambati Rayudu’s assessment of Virat Kohli’s aggressiveness. He feels that, despite the two dismissals, Kohli has not appeared to be out of form and that he is set for a huge knock.
On this, Chawla stated:
“Even in the two matches he (Kohli) got dismissed, look at his intent like Rayudu Bhai said. T20 is such a format that sometimes things just don’t go your way. But even in those few balls that a batter plays, you understand the kind of form he is in. The way the ball is hitting the middle of his bat, it is clear that he is in form. He has made big runs in tougher conditions and I feel the big knock is just around the corner.”
Piyush Chawla
On Wednesday, June 12, India will face the United States in New York with the goal of advancing to the Super Eight stage. However, the Men in Blue will face a difficult challenge because the United States has won both of their previous games.