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Once more, Rohit Sharma will be relied upon to initiate a rapid commencement during the powerplay, a role he successfully fulfilled during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
In the ongoing T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma shoulders a significant burden as he spearheads India’s charge, particularly in securing dynamic beginnings during the powerplay overs. Historically, India has faced challenges in adopting an aggressive stance with the bat in recent T20 World Cups, often struggling to amass substantial scores against formidable bowling line-ups. Nonetheless, since the 2022 tournament, India has undergone significant strategic overhauls, aiming to rectify these shortcomings and enhance their approach to the game.
Nevertheless, Rohit will once more carry the mantle of providing a blazing start during the powerplay, a feat he accomplished with success during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
However, former India opener Aakash Chopra has cautioned about the formidable new-ball bowling threats posed by Pakistan and Ireland in Group A, suggesting that India may not find it easy to accumulate 60 runs within the initial six overs against such formidable opponents.
“Rohit Sharma might come in an ultra-aggressive mode but even he might not as you are trying to bat long. So strategy is not changing a lot. Don’t believe we will look to and will score 60 runs in the first six overs every time. Don’t count the USA and Canada matches, I am talking about the real matches like Pakistan and even against Ireland. Their new-ball attack is decent,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Chopra further recommended that India must aim for a berth in the final to deem their campaign a success. He also highlighted that certain players might be particularly eager to clinch the trophy, considering it could potentially be their final opportunity to do so.
“India need to reach the podium to be successful. Finishing in the top two is the bare minimum. It’s possible things might not go in your favor in the final but at least the finals. I also feel this might be the last World Cup for a lot of people, so you want them to have the trophy in their hands,” he added.
India will kick off their campaign against Ireland on Wednesday in New York. Nonetheless, there’s considerable anticipation surrounding their opening partnership, with many speculating that Virat Kohli might join Rohit Sharma at the top of the order, adding an intriguing dynamic to their batting lineup.