Problem of plenty – India’s opening conundrum for T20 World Cup
The next big international tournament that will have the entire cricketing world’s attention is the T20 World Cup, which is slated to be held in the months of October and November. As far as the Indian side is concerned, there is one question that needs to be addressed. And that is, who will open the batting in the T20 World Cup?
The illustrious options
India can go in with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma as the openers, they can make KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan open, or skipper Virat Kohli can also come out to bat at the top of the order for India.
But then, the best option for India is to open with Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Dhawan and Rohit have scored a whopping 1743 runs together in T20Is, which is the highest by a pair in the history of T20I cricket. They have also been involved in 4 century partnerships and 7 fifty-run partnerships.
Also, Dhawan was in scintillating form in the 2021 edition of the IPL and is the current holder of the Orange Cap. The left-hander has also played 63 innings in T20I cricket and has opened in every single one of them. Also, Rohit is the best man to partner with Dhawan at the top.
Rohit Sharma has scored 2404 out of his 2864 runs as an opener and has also scored a staggering 4 centuries in T20Is while opening the batting. Virat Kohli should bat at the No.3 slot. Kohli has accumulated incredible numbers in T20I cricket at No.3. The batting legend has scored 2329 runs at the No.3 slot and has scored his runs at an average of close to 60.00.
What about KL Rahul as an opener?
Yes, Rahul has done a decent job for India and has scored 1118 runs as an opener. But then, Rahul is a player who can be shuffled around in the batting line up. Also, in India’s last T20I series against England, Rahul could score just 15 runs in 4 innings put together as an opener for India.
So, the best Top three for India would be Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. Not only would it get the best out of the individuals concerned it will also be good for the Indian side in the T20 World Cup as well.
