Irfan Pathan, Mohammad Kaif pick Rohit Sharma’s opening partner for T20 World Cup 2024

The excitement surrounding the T20 World Cup 2024 is palpable, as fans worldwide gear up for yet another exhilarating showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer athleticism. As the cricketing fraternity converges upon the sun-kissed Caribbean beaches and the iconic skylines of American cities, expectations climb to extraordinary heights.

The race for Rohit Sharma’s opening partner

Fans are eagerly anticipating Team India to break their ICC trophy drought, which has persisted since 2013 when they clinched the Champions Trophy. Although India reached the finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup, they were defeated by Australia.

Meanwhile, the race for Rohit Sharma‘s opening partner at the upcoming mega event has gained momentum with former Indian cricketers Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif throwing their weight behind a young batter.

Irfan Pathan names his choice

Notably, many fans expect the veteran and former India captain Virat Kohli to partner Rohit at the top. Kohli has been in top form while opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Pathan and Kaif think otherwise and went for the young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner Rohit.

Pathan emphasized Jaiswal’s left-handed batting style as a strategic advantage against the common tactic of starting with a left-arm spinner. By having a left-handed opener, Pathan argued, India can counter the opposition’s strategy more effectively, as Jaiswal’s aggressive approach can neutralize the threat posed by left-arm spinners.

“It’s a question which has been floating around a lot. It should be Yashasvi Jaiswal – as he being a left-hander, what happens is, a team from a bowling point of view, will start with a left-arm spinner and when that happens, you can actually play these two batters. If Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open, as there’s been a lot of talk about it, you can keep them quiet for a certain period of time. If you do that, the game goes away, especially at the start and this is where a left-handed batter in Yashasvi Jaiswal comes into the picture. He’s aggressive and will take on the threat of left-arm spinner as well. So, I think Yashasvi should open with Rohit Sharma,” said Pathan on Star Sports.

Also READ: Team India’s unselected XI for the T20 World Cup 2024

Mohammad Kaif reveals his pick

Kaif also advocated for Jaiswal to open alongside Rohit, with Kohli slated to bat at number three. Kaif highlighted Kohli’s track record of success at number three in ICC events, suggesting that his experience and ability to anchor the innings make him best suited for that position. By positioning Kohli at number three, the former India cricketer reckoned that India can maintain pressure on the opposition, with the knowledge that a formidable batter like Kohli is yet to come.

“I would see Jaiswal and Rohit opening, as Kohli has to be there at number three. Though he opens in the IPL, Kohli has done well in ICC events at number three. You need someone who has experience at number three and can bat through. With Yashasvi opening and Kohli in the dugout, there will be pressure on the opposition team that Virat is still to come out to bat. If he opens and the opposition gets him out, then it will be a big confidence booster for them. Jaiswal will attack from the first ball and Rohit Sharma also attacks in power-play, then it should be this way: Jaiswal, Rohit and Virat Kohli at number three,” said Kaif.

Also READ: Bowling concerns cloud India’s T20 World Cup chances: 1983 CWC winner raises doubts

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