Gavaskar Advocates Kohli-Sharma Opening Partnership for India in T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli Should Open with Rohit Sharma in T20 World Cup, Says Sunil Gavaskar

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has suggested that Virat Kohli should open the batting alongside skipper Rohit Sharma in India's T20 World Cup match against Ireland on Wednesday. Gavaskar believes that this move would allow Kohli to utilize his aggressive style of play and provide a solid foundation for the team's innings.

Kohli has been India's designated number three batter in the white-ball format for a long time. However, he has been in excellent form lately, scoring 741 runs in 15 matches for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the recent IPL season. Gavaskar believes that Kohli's current form warrants a promotion to the opening slot.

"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to open the batting along with Yashasvi Jaiswal at three," Gavaskar said on 'Star Sports' while giving his preferred line-up for the game.

Gavaskar also picked Rishabh Pant ahead of Sanju Samson for wicketkeeping duties and Mohammed Siraj ahead of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. He believes that Pant's aggressive batting style and Siraj's ability to swing the ball both ways make them better options for the team.

"Suryakumar Yadav at four, Rishabh Pant at five. At number six, I would have Hardik Pandya, number seven would be Ravindra Jadeja, number eight, not necessarily in that batting order, Shivam Dube. Number nine Kuldeep Yadav, number 10 Jasprit Bumrah and number 11 will be Siraj," he said.

India will face Ireland in their opening match of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. They will then take on arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

Tags: #ViratKohli, #RohitSharma, #T20WorldCup, #SunilGavaskar, #IndiaCricket