Revisiting Kohli and Rohit's Opening Partnership: A Missed Opportunity in 2021?

In 2021, after a T20 international against England, then-India captain Virat Kohli publicly considered the possibility of opening with Rohit Sharma for the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup. This plan, however, never came to fruition as Kohli continued to bat at No. 3. Now, three years later, with the captaincy baton passed from Kohli to Rohit, it might be time to revisit this discarded strategy. The recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season has highlighted what could be the most straightforward decision for the Rohit-Rahul Dravid leadership duo.

Many experts weighed in on this during the IPL, but Sanjay Manjrekar’s straightforward analysis stood out. "If he is picked, he has to open. Any other number he won't be at his effective best," the former India batsman and television expert told Cricbuzz. Rohit Sharma himself, when asked about Kohli's T20 strike rate at a recent press conference, simply smiled dismissively.

As an opener, Kohli has expanded his repertoire, effectively utilizing shots like slog-sweeps, and complementing them with power shots, cover drives, and cuts. Batting at the top, he can smash multiple boundaries within the PowerPlay overs. At No. 3, he would face more spread-out fielders, reducing his effectiveness.

Kohli's Performance in IPL 2024

• 4 (6) vs CSK*
• 35 (21) vs PBKS*
• 28 (18) vs KKR*
• 22 (16) vs LSG
• 32 (25) vs RR*
• 3 (9) vs MI
• 42 (19) vs SRH*
• 18 (7) vs KKR
• 32 (18) vs SRH*
• 28 (19) vs GT*
• 28 (12) vs GT*
• 22 (14) vs PBKS*
• 4 (5) vs DC*
• 22 (15) vs CSK*
• 30 (19) vs RR*

Kohli scored 373 runs in 231 balls, averaging 93.25 with an impressive strike rate of 161.47, including 36 fours and 21 sixes. His strike rate surpassing 160 marks a significant improvement from previous seasons.

The Technique Behind Kohli's Shots

Kohli's higher strike rate is a result of meticulous hard work. Key factors include a wider backswing and making room by moving his foot away from the line. This technique, reminiscent of AB de Villiers, allows him to hit balls to multiple locations. A Mumbai-based cricket expert explained how this technique creates a wider hitting area.

Kohli's method varies depending on the ball's location. For balls outside off stump and fuller, he might hit it over long-off; for slightly shorter balls, towards long-on. For middle-stump balls, he targets mid-wicket or square leg. The challenge arises with leg-stump balls, where opening the front foot more is crucial to avoid cramping his shot.

Despite these technical adjustments, the adaptability to pitches in the US and Caribbean will be crucial. However, Kohli appears well-prepared to execute his plans better than any other batter in the squad.

Who Makes Way for Kohli?

If Kohli opens, who will partner him, and who will make way? The likely candidate is Yashasvi Jaiswal. "Ideally, I would not have gone that way. But selectors have committed to Rohit and Virat. It's impossible to have Virat batting at No. 3. Rohit also has to open. Unfortunately, Jaiswal will have to sit out," Manjrekar said.

Another viewpoint suggests Rohit could drop to No. 3. "A left-arm spinner will come in straight away if Rohit and Virat open. Without a left-hand batter, you will struggle. Virat's improvement in strike rate is clear, but batting at No. 3 opens the slot for Jaiswal," Irfan Pathan noted.

The Indian team's approach will become clearer in the next few days, especially during the warm-up game against Bangladesh or the first match against Ireland on June 5.