NEW DELHI: Ahead of India's upcoming match against Canada in the Men's
T20 World Cup
, there has been a plethora of discussions regarding India's opening batting pair.
Former Indian fast bowler S
Sreesanth
, who won the inaugural edition of the T20 World Cup in 2007, has expressed his desire to see
Yashasvi Jaiswal
open the batting alongside captain
Rohit Sharma
, citing Jaiswal's ability to take on the bowlers from the outset.
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According to Sreesanth, Jaiswal's aggressive approach and freedom to express himself could benefit the team in the T20 format. He thinks of a scenario where Jaiswal opens the batting, taking the attack to the bowlers, while Kohli, batting at number three, can play a more anchoring role and finish the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.
“I would love to see Yashasvi Jaiswal opening the match as it's a T20 format.
Virat Kohli
coming at no. 3, Yashasvi Jaiswal will have that freedom to express himself - 'Virat bhai aa raha hai, Virat bhai is there to play after me and Rohit can play the anchor'. Nothing like Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, going after the bowling and Virat Kohli coming in and finishing the game with Rohit Sharma," said Sreesanth, as quoted by IANS.
The clamour for the left-handed Jaiswal to open the batting has intensified due to Kohli's struggles at the top of the order. Sreesanth's suggestion comes in the wake of Virat Kohli's underwhelming performances as an opener in India's first three matches of the tournament, where he scored 1, 4, and 0 in New York.
With three consecutive wins, India have already secured their place in the
Super Eight
stage of the tournament. A victory against Canada or a rain-abandoned match would ensure that India finishes as the Group A winners. The match is scheduled to take place at the Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground in Lauderhill, Florida, on Saturday.
Sreesanth's rationale is that Jaiswal's aggressive intent at the top could provide a solid platform for the experienced duo of Kohli and Sharma to capitalize on in the latter stages of the innings.
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