Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli Likely to Open For India at T20 World Cup 2024 – REPORT
This is surprising as all these days one assumed that it would either be Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill opening with the Indian captain.
Mumbai: We are roughly a fortnight away from the announcement of India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad and speculations as expected are rife. Amid all the speculation, a report on Dainik Jagran claims that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli could be opening the batting for India at the marquee event. This is surprising as all these days one assumed that it would either be Yashasvi Jaiswal or Shubman Gill opening with the Indian captain. Now if Rohit and Kohli open – what happens to Gill and Jaiswal is the question?
It would not be the first time Kohli would be opening the batting in T20Is for India. He has done it in the past. If Kohli and Rohit open, then only one among Jaiswal and Gill will get picked. And one understands if it is for the No. 3 spot then Gill could have the advantage. Suryakumar Yadav is likely to occupy the No. 4 spot.
The wicketkeeper is likely to play at No. 5 and Rishabh Pant is a frontrunner for that. Pant is expected to have competition from Dhruv Jurel, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson. If Pant plays in the XI, one of the above three would be the reserve keeper.
The allrounders would be Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Rabindra Jadeja. Rinku Singh will play as the finisher. The specialist spinners are going to be Kuldeep Yadav. Ravi Bishnoi stands and outside chance of making it to the squad as the specialist reserve spinner.
The pace battery is likely to feature Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
India’s Predicted Squad:
Rohit Sharma (C), Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill/Yashasvi Jaiswal, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma/Sanju Samson (WK), Ravi Bishnoi