Virat & Rohit as T20I openers: Dravid keeps the option open

NEW DELHI: Skipper

Rohit Sharma

and

Virat Kohli

have been named in the squad for the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan, which starts on Thursday, although Kohli will be available only from the second T20I.
This has prompted questions about how the team's think-tank plans to accommodate Kohli in the playing eleven, with speculation arising about a potential opening partnership with Rohit.

India's head coach,

Rahul Dravid

, addressed the media, acknowledging the talent and skill sets possessed by both the star batters Rohit and Kohli. Dravid stated, "Nothing is closed (Kohli opening with Rohit). We have no doubt that the kind of ability and skill sets players like Rohit and Kohli possess, they will be able to find answers against different kinds of bowling."

However, Dravid clarified that, for the upcoming

Afghanistan series

, the team intends to persist with Rohit and

Yashasvi Jaiswal

as openers, emphasizing the importance of having a left-right pair at the top of the order. Jaiswal has been serving as an opener since the series against the West Indies in August last year.
"As of now, we will be opening with Rohit and Jaiswal. When you have a squad that offers flexibility, we can take a call that is in the best interest of the team," said Dravid on the eve of the opening match. "We are certainly happy with what Jaiswal has done for us as an opener. It also gives us the left-right combination at the top."

Dravid emphasized that the selection process would prioritize a player's capability to handle various circumstances rather than focusing solely on achieving a left-right combination in the batting order. He highlighted the significance of a player's ability to play through different phases and handle various types of spin.
"We still have left-handers in the line-up. But it is not only about left-handers but it is their ability to play through a period and to be able to tackle different kinds of spin that there is," Dravid asserted. He also noted the addition of players like Rinku, Jaiswal, and Tilak, adding depth to the team's batting options.
Dravid emphasized that team selection would be based on performance rather than a strict preference for left or right-handed batsmen. The upcoming series against Afghanistan is anticipated to offer insights into the team's strategies and combinations leading up to the

T20 World Cup

.

(With inputs from PTI)