Kohli has played 27 matches, scored 1141 runs, and won the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award twice in the T20 World Cup, but has never opened the inning.
Following his incredible success as an opener in the ongoing IPL 2024 season, former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly wants Virat Kohli to open the batting in the T20 World Cup 2024. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star is currently the highest run-getter in the league (634 runs), has a strike rate of 153.51, and has proved that he can up the ante whenever he wants.
Talking about his 92 (47) against the Punjab Kings on May 9, Ganguly, while speaking with PTI, said:
“Virat is playing exceptionally well. The way Kohli batted last night – 90 in quick time, you need to use him as opener in T20 World Cup. He should open, evidenced by his last few IPL innings which have been outstanding.”
More on T20 WC
Virat Kohli, India’s best opener at T20 World Cup?
The India cricket team has three openers in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup 2024. Being the captain, Rohit Sharma will definitely open the inning despite his middling performance in IPL 2024. The last time India played T20I cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting, but his record isn’t much better than Rohit’s either.
Then we have Virat Kohli, who has scored almost the same number of runs that Rohit and Jaiswal have combined. He’s averaging 70 compared to their 30 and 32. He’s not behind in strike rate either and has improved his middle-over hitting as well.
IPL 2024 Stats: Kohli vs Rohit vs Jaiswal
| Player | Runs | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 634 | 70.44 | 153.51 |
| Rohit Sharma | 330 | 30 | 152.77 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 320 | 32 | 157.63 |
Editors pick
