Rahul Dravid says the Rohit Sharma-Yashasvi Jaiswal combination will continue in the opening slot in the IND vs. AFG match
In the lead-up to the T20 World Cup, India will continue to start with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as head coach Rahul Dravid stated on Wednesday. This highlights the significance of having a left-right combination at the pole position. After a 14-month break, Rohit has rejoined India’s T20 team for the series against Afghanistan, which gets underway in Mohali on Thursday. His prior appearance came in Adelaide during the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal matchup against England.
Since the August of last year’s away series against the West Indies, Jaiswal has been opening in the shortest format.
“Rohit and Jaiswal will open for us as of right now. On game eve, Dravid stated, “We can make a decision that is best for the team when we have a squad that offers flexibility.”
“We are very pleased with Jaiswal’s performance as our opener. Additionally, it provides us with the top left-right combination,” Dravid continued.
Shubman Gill, who either openers or comes in at No. 3 in T20Is, will still need to find a spot, though. It is relevant since, in addition to Rohit, Virat Kohli has returned to T20Is.
The team for the series against Afghanistan includes star batsman Virat Kohli, but he won’t be eligible until the second Twenty20 International.
How will the think-tank fit Kohli into the eleven then? Is it wise to start Rohit and Kohli together at the top? Dravid did not completely dismiss such idea.
“Kohli’s opening with Rohit is not closed. We are certain that guys with the talent and skill sets like Rohit and Kohli have will be able to find ways to counter different types of bowling,” Dravid added.
According to the former Indian captain, a player’s capacity to counteract any situation will be the primary factor in the selection process rather than just wanting to field a left-right combination.
Left-handers are still part of our lineup. But left-handers are not the only thing that matter; their ability to play through a phase and handle various spin types is also important.
“Players like Tilak, Jaiswal, and Rinku have also joined, adding a lovely string to the bow. However, we ultimately choose players based on their performance, not merely on who bats left or right,” he emphasised.
The Bengaluru man was full of admiration for Rinku Singh, praising the Uttar Pradesh batsman for handling the demanding role of finisher with skill.
“As a finisher, he has been doing a good job. This series (against Afghanistan) presents him with yet another chance to improve as a cricket player.
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“Any opportunity he receives, whether it is here or in the IPL, will be beneficial to his growth. The selector is always thinking about a player who performs well,” he stated.
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