(AFP Photo)
In the India vs. Pakistan match, Akmal suggested that Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3. He emphasized Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings, enabling other batsmen to build partnerships around him and take the game forward.
According to former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal, it’s a significant error to have Virat Kohli open the innings in the T20 World Cup. In the first match against Ireland, India opted to open with Kohli alongside captain Rohit Sharma instead of selecting designated opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. However, the strategy didn’t yield success, with Kohli scoring just 1 run off 5 balls. Despite this, the Indian team management seems reluctant to make changes to the batting order used against Ireland.
Consequently, Kohli and Rohit are slated to open the innings, with Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav occupying the third and fourth positions, respectively, against Pakistan on Sunday. Akmal, however, expressed disagreement with this arrangement. He advocated for Kohli to bat at No. 3, highlighting his ability to stabilize the innings and prolong it, thereby providing opportunities for other batsmen to build partnerships around him.
“I don’t think the batting order is correct. Virat Kohli can take the pressure at No.3 and finish the match. That is very important for Team India. Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the batting. Kohli should come at 3. If India stick to this batting order (of Kohli) opening, then they may get stuck at some point. Kohli holds one end up and finishes off the game. I think India are making a mistake by opening with Kohli,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
Kohli has notably served as the designated opener for his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, over the past few seasons, showcasing impressive form in the recently concluded 17th edition of the tournament. His exceptional performance earned him the Orange Cap, awarded to the highest run-scorer, as he amassed 741 runs at a strike rate of 154 – his personal best in IPL history.
Moreover, Kohli’s role as an opener addresses several challenges for the Indian team. It creates an opportunity in the middle order to accommodate players like Shivam Dube, while also providing Rishabh Pant with a more favorable batting position. Pant has struggled to make an impact batting at No. 5 in this format. The consideration of Pant as an option at No. 3 was apparent when he was positioned in that slot during the warm-up match against Bangladesh, indicating the strategic deliberations of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid.
In the warm-up match against Bangladesh, Pant showcased his form by scoring a half-century. He continued his impressive performance in the T20 World Cup opener against Ireland, guiding India to victory with an unbeaten 36 off 25 balls.
India displayed a comprehensive performance in their tournament debut, securing an 8-wicket win against Ireland. However, their true challenge lies ahead in the clash against Pakistan. Pakistan, aiming to bounce back after a surprising defeat to the USA, will be determined to revive their campaign.
“India will be confident. Bumrah bowled well, Siraj did well. Hardik Pandya also got wickets. They have three matches at the same venue, that will also be an advantage,” Akmal said.
Akmal was also very critical of the pitches on offer in New York. “ICC will have to produce better pitches for big matches. Otherwise, people will go away from this World Cup,” he said.
