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Legendary West Indies batter Brian Lara said that the Indian cricketing stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will make an iconic pair as openers in the T20 World Cup 2024. Lara also backed the former Indian skipper to feature in the upcoming tournament, scheduled to be held in the West Indies and the USA. Ahead of the marquee tournament, several Indian fans and experts questioned Kohli’s participation in T20 WC. However, fans and others slammed questioning the batting icon’s capabilities.
Recently, the former West Indies icon came in support of Kohli and went on to say that he and Rohit Sharma will make a great opening pair for the country in the tournament. Lara told Star Sports, “I think Rohit and Virat going as openers to the West Indies (for WC) will serve India very well. Though, I think that you should have some youthful punch in the opening.”
He added, “One of the younger players, showing their mettle, and having one of those experienced players shepherd the innings in the middle-order. Having that whole experience up front, it could have a negative effect if they get dismissed early, so I will use one at the top, but use the other at No. 3.” Speaking about Kohli’s strike rate, Lara said, “The strike rate depends on the position, and for an opener strike-rate of 130-140 is pretty alright. But if you are coming in the middle-order then you may be required to hit at 150 or 160. As you have seen in this IPL, batsmen are hitting at 200 in the latter part of an innings.”
The 54-year-old also picked India’s top three for the tournament and said, "An opener like Kohli always has the chance of starting at 130, bat through the overs, and finish at 160 or even higher, which is alright. But if you ask me, India's top three in the World Cup should be Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill irrespective of all these. And for RCB, it should not be about one person, as it has to be a team effort.”
