"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.

"It is always nice to have options available for you. It is important going into a World Cup that you have flexibility. You want the players to be in best shape batting at any position. When we try and do something new, that does not mean that's a problem," said Rohit during a press conference.

"For us, we understand the quality of all our players and what they bring for us. But yeah, it is an option (Virat Kohli opening) for us, we will always keep that in mind. Since we have not taken a third opener, he opens for his franchise and he has done really well, so it is a definite option for us," he said further while talking about whether Kohli can be looked at as an opener," he added.

Ahead of the series opener, it was confirmed that Mohammed Shami won't play any part as he has tested positive for COVID-19 and Umesh Yadav has been named as his replacement.

"There were few options, but few of them are injured like Prasidh. Siraj is playing county, we do not want him to fly all the way, maybe play one or two games. That won't be fair. Obviously, Shami unfortunate incident with him. Avesh was quite sick in the Asia