Ravi Shastri, former Indian head coach, has given a bold reply to Ian Bishop’s query about Virat Kohli opening the innings for India. During a recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Mumbai Indians, Kohli played a brilliant knock as an opener, scoring an unbeaten 82 runs with a strike rate of 167.35. This performance prompted Bishop to ask about the possibility of Kohli opening the innings for India as well.
Shastri replied that there’s a possibility of that happening, but it might make the opening position too heavy, given the presence of Rohit Sharma in the team. He added that India will probably look for another left-hander to partner with Sharma to avoid top-heaviness. However, Shastri also acknowledged that every time Kohli and Sharma have opened together, their partnership has been massive.
Kohli’s performance in the IPL has been exceptional, particularly as an opener. His partnership with Faf du Plessis in the recent match against Mumbai Indians was crucial in helping RCB secure a win. Kohli’s classical innings, which included six fours and five sixes, was the highlight of the match, and he made sure that the RCB fans got their money’s worth.
Although Kohli usually bats at No.3 for India, he has opened the innings a few times in T20Is. He also opened with Sharma against England last year and scored 82 runs with him. Kohli’s current form as an opener in the IPL has reignited the debate about his role in the Indian team.
In conclusion, Kohli’s impressive performance as an opener in the IPL has sparked speculation about whether he will open for India as well. Shastri’s response suggests that India may look for another left-hander to partner with Sharma to avoid making the opening position too top-heavy. Regardless, Kohli’s form and talent make him a valuable asset to the Indian team, no matter where he bats in the lineup.