Indian ex-cricketer Suresh Raina offered his thoughts on India’s choice to recall stellar players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for their T20I lineup. This is just before the T20 World Cup, happening in the USA and West Indies in June.
Raina suggests this is a wise move by the BCCI. He emphasized how vital knowing the playing conditions could be for India’s squad. He expects that India will get profit from Rohit and Kohli’s exceptional experience and skill.
The following came directly from an interview Suresh Raina had with PTI:
“If you look at the World Cup venues (in the USA and the West Indies), the wickets will be a bit tricky. India will need the experience of Rohit and Kohli there. Kohli is about to make 12000 runs in T20 cricket. So, their presence will boost India’s batting.”
Suresh Raina
Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3: Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina suggests Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal to be India’s opening batsmen in T20Is. He believes Virat Kohli should play at No. 3. Despite various skillful upcoming players, Raina emphasizes on the distinct talent of Rohit and Kohli.
Regarding this, Raina said:
“I think Kohli should bat at No. 3. His experience will bring in some solidity, especially in the challenging pitches in the US and the Caribbean. There are fearless, young cricketers like Jaiswal, Rinku Singh or Shubman Gill but Rohit and Kohli will give the unit a lot of solidity. Their presence is very important when we chase a target especially in a high-pressure event like the World Cup.”
Suresh Raina
Starting from January 11, India will have three T20Is against Afghanistan under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Virat Kohli won’t be present for the first T20I in Mohali since he has personal commitments.