Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will remain India’s first-choice openers for the 50-over format claimed Virat Kohli. In the press conference prior to the first ODI, the skipper lauded the duo for their contributions over the years.
Shikhar Dhawan’s dodgy form and Virat Kohli’s decision to open alongside Rohit Sharma and the prominent success shed questions on the potential opening combination for the three-match ODI series.
The Indian skipper assured that his intention to open in the shortest format will not spread out into the ODIs. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will continue to be the first choice openers with Kohli operating after them.
“As far as the opening combination is concerned, Shikhar (Dhawan) and Rohit (Sharma) will definitely start. They have been amazing for us in the past few years, I don’t think there are any doubts on their position as far as ODI cricket is concerned,” Kohli said at the pre-series virtual press conference.
Kohli also spoke about the ‘confusing’ umpire’s call verdict in the Decision Review System and asked the authorities to go over the rule.
“According to me, umpire’s call is creating a lot more confusion. When you get bowled as a batsman, you don’t consider that the ball was hitting more than 50 per cent for you to be bowled. So when the ball is shown clipping the stumps, the bails are going to fall. From a basic cricket common sense, I don’t think there should be any debate.
“If the ball is clipping the stumps, it should be out. Whether you like it or not you lose the review. That’s how simple the game needs to be. If it hits the stumps, or it misses the stumps, it doesn’t matter how much it is hitting, and those things.”
“It’s not a guarantee that this is going to be considered in the future,” Kohli responded to talks of him opening the innings with Rohit Sharma in ODIs as well.
With the three batsmen at the top confirmed, a decision needs to be taken regarding the middle order. KL Rahul is expected to play at his newfound position of number 5 while one out of Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav will feature at No.4.
Do you want to play Casino games online? Click here to find a range of online casino brands
If you like reading about MMA, make sure you check out MMAIndia.com
Also, follow India’s biggest arm wrestling tournament at ProPanja.com
To bet on sports, click here
Also Read:
Michael Vaughan expects RCB to be a lot stronger with Virat Kohli opening the innings
