Virat Kohli returned to form in the recently concluded Asia Cup 2022 in UAE, where he scored his maiden T20I century with two consecutive fifties. Kohli’s century, 122 not out, came in India’s final match of the tournament, and that too as an opener in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
This sparked a debate on whether Kohli should open? India Considering the World Cup in T20Is. Supporters of his promotion in the batting order cite KL Rahul’s indifferent appearance since his return to international cricket.
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However, the former India opener gautam gambhir The suggestion is rejected.
He says people are forgetting how Rahul and Rohit have contributed in the past since Kohli’s return to form. And they feel that this may break Rahul’s trust.
“You know what happens in India? The moment someone starts doing something great—for example, when Virat Kohli Scored a century in the last game, we all start forgetting what Rahul and Rohit have done in the long run,” said Gambhir star sports,
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He further said, ‘When you talk about Kohli opening the batting, think what will happen to KL Rahul? Imagine how insecure he must be feeling. Imagine if he gets a low score in the first game, then there will be another debate on whether Kohli should open in the next game or not.
Gambhir claimed that Rahul has more potential than Rohit and Kohli and by suggesting that his position as an opener is in danger, it is only going to affect his mental state.
“You don’t want your top-class players in that position, especially KL Rahul, who probably has more potential than Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli. Imagine KL Rahul going in World The cup was thinking, ‘What if I don’t score runs against Pakistan? What if I am replaced by Virat Kohli?’ You don’t want that,” he said.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup starting next month, India will play three T20Is at home, with three matches each against Australia and South Africa.
Gambhir said there is no need to entertain Kohli’s question on replacing Rahul or Rohit as openers and he wants to focus on the team rather than the individuals.
“…we shouldn’t ponder that question. Think from India’s point of view. Think from the point of view of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Well, Rohit is the captain now. Think what he would have thought if he hadn’t been the captain? On KL Rahul Everything falls apart. We should start thinking about how India can flourish instead of a few individuals.”
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