For a long time, KL Rahul’s feisty approach to the T20 format drew criticism and Kohli’s return to form with his first international century in three years, only added fuel to the mix. fire for the opening slot debate.
However, in an interaction with the media before the three-match T20I series against Australia began
here on Tuesday, Rohit said there is no mistaking the role of right-hand man Karnataka as he is a “very important player for India”.
“I don’t think we’re going to test. KL Rahul will definitely open the scoring for us. His performances for India have always gone unnoticed. A bad game or two doesn’t eclipse his past records. We know what KL brings to the table, his presence at the top is very important for us,” he said.
“I want to make it clear to everyone that we are absolutely clear on this and kya khichdi pak rahi the two of us know it very well. There is no confusion,” said the captain. Rohit, however, did not rule out the possibility that Kohli was promoted to open the scoring role in some of the matches India played before the T20 World Cup.
Following the Australia series will be three matches with a tour in South Africa from September 28 to October 4.
“I spoke to Rahul Dravid and we decided that we might have to open with Virat in a couple of games. We saw that in the last game and we are happy,” said Rohit. “It’s great to have options for you, especially if you’re going to be in the league, you want that flexibility. It’s an option for us, and since we haven’t made the third opener yet, it’s clear he can open the scoring.”
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Diversity in bowling attacks
In justifying the selection of star jumper Ravichandran Ashwin over young spinster Ravi Bishnoi in the 15-member World Cup squad, Rohit cited that team management opted for diversity over a one-sided attack. .
Ashwin, who has featured in the last two matches of the Asian Cup, is back with a few goals.
“We always wanted variety in attack, never wanted to attack one way. That’s why we have Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who swings the ball from the start and is of very high quality, and (Jasearch) Bumrah can beat at any stage of the game. Then variations of Harshal (Patel) will come in handy in the middle, and then Hardik (Pandya) and Arshdeep (Singh),” says Rohit.
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“Then we had three gyros. Someone like the spinner Yuzvendra Chahal with a good rhythm who can take out the opposition and then Axar Patel, an all-round pick in the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, who is a huge shortcoming for us. For us, it’s always going to be between Axar and Jadeja, again a three-phase bowler (possibly face-down in the power play, in the middle and then in the 17th or 18th). Ashwin with his new variations will be very good against right-handed people. Also his shots could extend our hit to 9th place,” the captain explained.
Rohit, however, overlooked Mohammed Shami’s absence from the series against Australia after the seasoned player tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday. Shami is a substitute for the World Cup. Veteran Umesh Yadav, who last played T20I in 2019 has been switched to kicking in place of Shami, and Rohit feels Umesh is a simple choice considering his rich experience and ability to manage in the game. strength matches.
“People like Umesh, Shami don’t have to play in a particular format to be successful. They have proven themselves. That is quality. Young men need to prove themselves but not them (sunbaenim),” Rohit quipped.
