Reetinder Sodhi, a former Indian cricketer, believes Virat Kohli’s astonishing first century T20I against Afghanistan could persuade the team’s management to give the country’s former captain a regular opening job at the alongside Rohit Sharma.
Kohli first needed a little time to settle in. The 33-year-old, however, unleashed a barrage of punches once he got the eye, displaying hints of his classic best. In the second half of innings, he also showed his ability to hit massive sixes and dramatically increase his strike rate.
Once Virat Kohli is fixed, there will be no more issues with the strike rate: Reetinder Sodhi
Here’s what Sodhi had to say about how the Men in Blue can use Virat Kohli to the max in his interview with India News Sports on Saturday:
“Once Virat is settled, there won’t be any more issues with the strike rate, so it’s ideal for him to open innings. He also has the ability to hit good balls for the limits, which who is very crucial as an opener when it comes to dealing with quality bowling attacks.
So, after this performance, the selectors and team management could lean towards Virat Kohli for the opening position alongside Rohit Sharma.
Saba Kareem feels No. 3 best position for Virat Kohli
Saba Karim, a former India coach, had a different view. When the full squad returns, Virat Kohli should continue to fight at No. 3 as he has experience in that position, according to Karim, who was present on the same panel.
The former wicketkeeper has revealed that the Indian team will see higher caliber bowling assaults at the T20 World Cup Down Under. In order to keep the sleeves together, they have to use Kohli as glue, which can hit at number 3. In response, he said:
“Opening is definitely an option, but I still think the best position for Virat Kohli is at No. 3. He beat there for years and delivered great performances as well.
I also think in Australia when you play bigger teams, if you lose a few wickets at the start, you will look to Kohli to bring you stability and get India out of this difficult situation.
Moreover, Karim underlined how crucial it is for players like Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav to maintain order in the middle and adjust when necessary:
“Opening in the T20Is is a little easier than hitting in the middle order. So you need versatile players like Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav in the middle order who can adapt depending on the situation. You need your most experienced players to hit in more difficult situations.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2022: Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel set to return for T20 World Cup
