Virat Kohli opening the batting is definitely a big option for the Indian team: Rohan Gavaskar

13.09.2022 - 13:01 timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Virat Kohli brought great joy for Indian fans. He was scratchy while making 35 in his 100th T20I against Pakistan. But as the tournament progressed, his fluency kept going up.

After two half-centuries and a duck, Kohli slammed a sensational, career-best 122* against Afghanistan, ending his century drought across formats of 1020 days.

That effort, which sent fans into frenzy, came while opening the batting with KL Rahul as captain Rohit Sharma opted to rest to sign off from Asia Cup 2022 on a high.

Now, former India cricketer Rohan Gavaskar feels that Kohli opening the batting can become a huge option for the side ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia next month. "Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it's a great option.

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Young India batter Shubman Gill off late has displayed great form. From his maiden international ton against Zimbabwe to his maiden County Cricket century for Glamorgan, Gill has been putting his best foot forward in all formats. Since his debut in 2019, Gill is being touted as the next big thing in Indian cricket. Gill, who is currently playing in County Championship for Glamorgan, became a talk of the town after he hit a century against Sussex. Many experts and fans came forward to shower praise on the right-handed batter for his magnificent performance.

Watch: Virat Kohli On Video Call With Anushka Sharma, Shows Phone To Cheering Fans After Win In 1st T20I vs SA

Team India registered a memorable 8-wicket win against South Africa in the 1st T20I on Wednesday at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. With this win, the Rohit Sharma-led side has gained a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. Put to bat first, South Africa was restricted at 106/8, to the courtesy of the three-wicket and two-wicket haul by Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar, respectively. In the chase, KL Rahul (51*) and Suryakumar Yadav (50*) smashed half centuries as Team India chased down the target in 16.4 overs and with eight wickets in hands.

Watch: Nagpur Crowd Chants "RCB, RCB" During 2nd India vs Australia T20I, Virat Kohli's Reaction Viral

To say Virat Kohli is a popular cricketing figure would be an understatement. He has a huge following wherever he goes, and often, crowds in India even start chanting the name of his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore, even when he is playing for the nation. On Friday, at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur, before India took on Australia in the second T20I, the crowd started chanting "RCB, RCB" as Kohli walked out to the team dressing room balcony. But Kohli was quick to point to the India logo on his jersey as his India and RCB teammate Harshal Patel sat in amusement next to him.

Virat Kohli might have to bat at top in some games, but KL Rahul will open at T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli batting at the top alongside him is a "definite option" but India captain Rohit Sharma on Sunday made it clear that KL Rahul will remain his opening partner at the T20 World Cup in Australia next month. Speaking to media ahead of the three-match T20 international series against Australia starting here on Tuesday, Rohit said the team management has absolute clarity on the role of each player in the squad. The Australia series will be followed by three games against touring South Africa before India leave for the T20 World Cup Down Under.

"Definite Option For Us": Rohit Sharma On Virat Kohli Opening In T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma-led Team India will square off against Australia next in a three-match T20I series, beginning Tuesday in Mohali. It would be interesting to see whether the hosts continue with same level of experimentation that was on display during the Asia Cup, where the side failed to make it to the final of the continental tournament. Jasprit Bumrah and Harshal Patel have recovered from their injuries, so that is an added bonus for Team India. Skipper Rohit Sharma on Sunday addressed a press conference where he spoke about what to expect and whether Virat Kohli can be looked at as an opener in the shortest format.

Watch: Virat Kohli Arrives In Mohali Ahead Of T20I Series vs Australia

Star India batter Virat Kohli reached Mohali on Saturday ahead of India's T20I series against Australia. The first match between India and Australia will be played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. The PCA took to Twitter to share a video of Kohli arriving at the airport in Mohali. Kohli was accompanied by police officers and security personnel. "Look who's here," the PCA wrote in their tweet, along with a heart-eyes emoji. "Welcome @imVkohli to the city beautiful."