Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has advised India against picking Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for the opening spots in the T20 World Cup. Speaking in a virtual press conference arranged by Star Sports, Lara has said that starting with two of the most experienced batters in world cricket could potentially have a negative effect on India in the tournament. Kohli and Rohit opened for their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League, and have done well in the tournament so far.
Lara, on Monday, 8 April said that India should have one the its experienced players open with a youngster and slot the other player at No. 3. Lara further added that the No. 3 player, i.e. Virat Kohli should see the innings through.
“I think Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli going as openers to the West Indies will serve India very well. I think when you are picking your team and your batting order, you have to pick the team on the basis of what you want your players to do. It doesn’t matter who fills that spot. They have a job. If you want to score 70-80 in the first 6 overs, you have got to pick players to do so, it doesn’t matter the name of the players,” Lara said on Star Sports.
Lara advised India to select a younger player for the opening spot, who could show his mettle in the tournament and go hard at the top. Lara further added that India should use Kohli as his classical anchor role where he could see the Indian innings through and provide some stability to the Indian batting unit.
“So, for me, they are great players (Rohit and Virat), I think though that you should have some youthful punch in the opening spot. One of the younger players, showing their mettle, showing what they are capable of and have one of those experienced players shepherd the innings in the middle order right through till the end. Having that experience up front, it could have a negative effect if they get dismissed early, so I will use one yes, but use the other at No. 3,” he further added.