(AP Photo)

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra weighed in on the debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s role as an opener for India in their Super 8 clash against Afghanistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Chopra suggested that Kohli should partner captain Rohit Sharma at the top of the batting order for the upcoming match.

Kohli’s performances as an opener in the current T20 World Cup have been below par. He has managed only five runs in three innings, averaging 1.67 with a strike rate of 55.56. His struggle was highlighted by a dismissal for a first-ball duck against the United States of America (USA).

The decision to elevate Kohli was primarily to accommodate all-rounder Shivam Dube in the team’s playing XI. Rishabh Pant has consistently batted at No. 3 throughout the tournament, amassing 96 runs at an impressive average of 48.00 and a strike rate of 124.68, with a top score of 42.

Virat Kohli Should Open says Aakash Chopra

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra expressed optimism about Virat Kohli’s potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming match against Afghanistan if he retains his role as an opener.

“A big question that is doing the rounds is – Should Virat Kohli open? I am saying – Yes sir, 100% Virat Kohli should open, and if he opens in this game, I even feel it could be a Player-of-the-Match-like performance because he is that kind of player and has done well against this team as well,” Chopra said.

The former cricketer-turned-commentator stressed the importance of India sticking to their strategy for the upcoming matches, despite Virat Kohli’s struggles in the tough batting conditions encountered in New York. Chopra highlighted Kohli’s reputation as a consistent run-scorer and expressed confidence that he would be eager to bounce back strongly.

“It hasn’t been good thus far, so as they say he will be very hungry. The run machine himself satiates his hunger for runs by scoring runs. So I feel Virat Kohli should first open. You wouldn’t want to change your game plan entirely based on what happened in New York,” Chopra added.

Virat Kohli achieved his sole T20I century against Afghanistan during the 2022 Asia Cup when he opened the innings. Across four T20I innings against Afghanistan, Kohli has accumulated 201 runs at an impressive average of 67.00 and a strike rate of 171.79. Nevertheless, his recent encounter with Afghanistan resulted in a dismissal for a golden duck.

Aakash Chopra said Yashasvi Jaiswal Will Have To Wait 

Aakash Chopra noted that Yashasvi Jaiswal would have to be patient for his opportunity in the World Cup. He also commended Shivam Dube for his resurgence in form, specifically mentioning his strong performances in the recent series against the same opponents.

“Yashasvi (Jaiswal) will have to wait. Virat Kohli to open with Rohit Sharma. This will be my first thought. Then Rishabh Pant at No. 3 and Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4. It’s mandatory for both of them to do well. The form Shivam Dube has got now, it’s thumbs up with both hands. His name came in the team based on his performances in the last series he played against this team,” Chopra further added.