The cricketing world has been abuzz with discussions about the potential opening pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the upcoming T20 World Cup. However, legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has expressed reservations about this idea.
Brian Lara shares his views on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
Lara, in a virtual press conference, stated that having Kohli and Sharma open the innings for India could have a negative effect on the side. He suggested that if India aims to score 70-80 runs in the powerplay, they would need someone young to open with Rohit Sharma.
Both Kohli and Sharma have been successful openers for their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), but Lara believes that the dynamics of international cricket are different. He suggested that India should have one of its experienced players open with a youngster and slot the other player at No. 3.
Lara further added that the No. 3 player, i.e., Virat Kohli, should see the innings through. He said, “I think Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma going as openers to the West Indies will serve India very well. I think when you are picking your team and your batting order, you have to pick the team on the basis of what you want your players to do. It doesn’t matter who fills that spot. They have a job. If you want to score 70-80 in the first 6 overs, you have got to pick players to do so, it doesn’t matter the name of the players”.
“So, for me, they are great players (Rohit and Virat), I think though that you should have some youthful punch in the opening spot. One of the younger players, showing their mettle, showing what they are capable of and have one of those experienced players shepherd the innings in the middle order right through till the end. Having that experience up front, it could have a negative effect if they get dismissed early, so I will use one yes, but use the other at No. 3,” he further added.
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