Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's batting form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 have come under scrutiny. Former India's explosive batter Virender Sehwag believes that if their struggles continue, questions will be raised not just for the openers themselves, but also for the team's selection committee.
Both Rohit and Virat have found it difficult to score freely in the slow and challenging batting conditions. While Rohit has managed a combined total of 99 runs across five matches, his highest score being an unbeaten 52 against Ireland, he hasn't had a significant knock since then except for a quickfire innings against Bangladesh.
Virender Sehwag's hard-hitting take on Kohli-Rohit's form
Virat's struggles have been even more pronounced. He managed only 5 runs in the three Group A matches and has since accumulated 66 runs in the Super 8s. His highest score in the tournament so far came in the last match against Bangladesh, where he scored 37 runs. With the tournament progressing, Sehwag's prediction suggests that continued lack of runs from these batting stalwarts could lead to intense scrutiny of both the players and the selection committee's decision to open with them.
India's quest for the T20 World Cup championship hinges on the performance of their top order batsmen, particularly Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Explosive cameos of 30 runs off 10 balls or 40 runs off 20 balls won't be enough. Both openers need to convert their starts into big scores by playing longer innings.
"This is a matter of concern because none of the openers have scored runs. Rohit scored 50 and Kohli had 24. So it doesn't matter how much we say that they are big players but in the end, they will have to score runs. If they cannot, then the selectors will have to think after the WC," Sehwag told Cricbuzz.
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag expressed concern about India's lack of serious competition in the T20 World Cup so far. He feels that with the exception of the Pakistan match, India hasn't been truly tested. This, according to Sehwag, could be detrimental in the later stages of the tournament, particularly when they face tougher opponents like Australia. Sehwag fears that India's smooth run in the initial stages might not have adequately prepared them for the pressure and challenges they'll face against top teams. He even cast some doubt on India's chances of reaching the final, suggesting that matches against England and Australia will be their biggest hurdles.
"You haven't played a single game, except Pakistan, where you have been tested. You haven't played a match where you worry about your top order and middle order batters scoring runs. That situation hasn't arrived yet but it will come on Monday and then on 27th. Since that situation is yet to come, that's why things are just moving," Sehwag signed off.
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