(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India head coach Rahul Dravid talked about the side’s opening combination in T20Is, informing that they have earmarked Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the role leading up to the upcoming World Cup.
Rohit Sharma is returning to the T20I set-up after 14 months for the Afghanistan series. Jaiswal is playing as an opener ever since his T20I debut in August 2023.
“As of now, we will be opening with Rohit and Jaiswal. When you have a squad that offers flexibility, we can take a call that is in the best interest of the team. We are certainly happy with what Jaiswal has done for us as an opener. It also gives us the left-right combination at the top,” Dravid said as quoted.
With Jaiswal certain to open, Shubman Gill will find it hard to break into the XI as Virat Kohli also has occupied the No.3 position. Kohli, who last played a T20I in November 2022, is also in scheme of things to play as an opener alongside Rohit as Dravid did not rule out the possibility of it happening.
“Nothing is closed (Kohli opening with Rohit). We have no doubt that the kind of ability and skill sets players like Rohit and Kohli possess, they will be able to find answers against different kind of bowling,” Dravid mentioned.
The first T20I of the series between India and Afghanistan is scheduled on January 11 in Mohali. Kohli will miss the series-opener due to personal reasons.