Former Australian players Aaron Finch and Tim Paine debated Virat Kohli’s ideal batting position for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Virat Kohli, the current leading run scorer in the IPL with a staggering 661 runs in 13 innings, finds himself in the centre of a debate discussed by several cricket experts, namely, where should he bat for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Despite questions about his perceived slow batting, a strike rate of 155.16, Kohli’s impressive average of 66.10 has silenced some critics. However, his ideal batting position for the World Cup remains a hot topic. Former Australian cricketers Aaron Finch and Tim Paine have weighed in with contrasting opinions.
Tim Paine believes Kohli’s current form warrants an opening slot. “I certainly would [have Kohli open]. I think Virat Kohli has earned the right to bat wherever he wants, particularly when he’s in this kind of form. Virat is an experienced player, and I’m sure they will be having conversations, but whether he bats one, two, or three will worry him too much. I would want him facing as many balls as possible, so I’ll try and slot him back at the top,” Paine was quoted as saying on the ‘Around the Wicket’ podcast.
Aaron Finch, however, disagreed. He suggested Kohli to bat at his familiar No. 3 position, praising young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma’s opening partnership.
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“He is just a brilliant player. I love watching him play. The way that he dissects a run-and-chase is extraordinary. But I would still keep him at 3. I think his stability at 3 just creates an environment for everybody else around to play their natural game. And you’ve got Jaiswal, who can hit them out of the park. He can give them a flyer. I am just not sure whether Virat and Rohit at the top would create that dynamic approach that you need in the West Indies,” Finch added.
With the batting position debate gathering a lot of attention, there is not much time left for the T20 World Cup as India gears up for the tournament. India will have their first outing against Ireland on June 5th, followed by the marquee clash against Pakistan on June 9th.
Last Updated on May 17, 2024
