T20 World Cup 2024: Would India go for a change and opt for Yashasvi Jaiswal as Rohit's opening partner and drop Virat Kohli to no. 3? Possibilities of change in India's batting order ahead of semi-final clash against England.
India have moved into the semi-finals of T20 World Cup 2024. But they have a few problems to solve ahead of the knockouts. The biggest headache for India is their opening combination of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have failed to strike a single 50+ opening stand. While Rohit has done well as the opener, Kohli has not been able to carry his IPL form into the World T20.
Kohli has tried too many shots right from the outset, rather than taking a few balls to adjust to the pace and bounce of the wicket before unleashing his stroke-play. He is also trying too hard to live up to the team’s strategy of playing an aggressive brand of cricket and making brisk runs. Although Kohli has shown the intent to score briskly, it has unfortunately not translated into runs.
Ahead of the knockouts, should India go for a change at the top? What are the possible options and changes that India could make in the XI?
Bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal to partner Rohit, Kohli at No 3, drop Dube
Shivam Dube was included in the World T20 squad for his ability to hit big sixes against spinners. His performances in the first half of IPL 2024, where he played impact innings in the middle-overs, earned him a berth in the World T20 squad. However, Dube has not been able to live up to the expectations, often derailing the momentum given by the top-order. Besides, he has hardly bowled in the tournament.
In such a situation, India could bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal for Dube to solve the dual problems of the opening woes and some breathing space for Kohli. The latter could bat at No 3, where he is at his lethal best.
The original opening pair for this World T20 was Rohit-Jaiswal. But India went for the Rohit-Kohli combo to accommodate Dube. However, with Dube not at his best and Kohli not really shining at the top, there is urgent need to tweak the XI a bit. Jaiswal and Rohit can provide the left-right combination at the top. Jaiswal is usually an attacking batter and could provide the team with great starts in the company of his captain.
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Kohli can be his lethal best at No 3
Kohli at no 3 can be at his lethal best where he averages 53.96 and strikes at 135.26. Moreover, he has gone past the 50-run mark 32 times in this format at the international level, playing at No 3. Coming to bat at No 3, he can play the supporting role to either of the openers who will be attacking from the other end. Once Kohli gets used to the pace of the wicket, he can switch gears and start scoring at a brisk pace to live up to the dynamics of this format and the new aggressive style of Indian cricket.
Alternative option: Pant and Rohit as opener, Kohli to follow
India could also try Rohit and Rishabh Pant as openers, with Kohli to follow at No 3. Pant has opened before in domestic cricket and could also play as a floater if needed. With the Pant-Rohit duo as openers, India could destroy any bowling attack on their day. Moreover, Kohli and other batters to follow can give the necessary momentum to the innings. India can still persist with their ‘four all-rounders’ theory in the XI to add depth to their batting and bowling.