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Tag: Rahul Dravid

  • Opinion: Should Virat Kohli continue to open the innings for India or move down to number 3 in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024? , Cricket News

    T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli’s batting position in the ongoing T20 World Cup has become a major talking point. The star batsman has shined at number 3 for more than a decade, but in this tournament, he has been deployed as an opener alongside Rohit Sharma. This decision has not yielded results yet, sparking debate among fans and pundits alike. Let’s delve into the arguments for and against Kohli opening in the T20 World Cup.

    Virat Kohli’s T20 World Cup 2024 Performance

    1 (5) vs Ireland

    4 (3) vs Pakistan

    0 (1) vs USA

    24 (24) vs Afghanistan

    Virat has had a poor run so far in the four matches in the ongoing edition of the T20 WC, where he has just managed 29 runs in four outings. Kohli struggled on the tricky New York pitch and registered a string of low scores – 1, 4, and 0. Many expected this to end on the Caribbean soil, but it didn’t change much for him. In the Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Kohli had another flop outing with a run-a-ball 24-run knock.

    Reasons why Virat Kohli should open

    1. Maximizing Batting Prowess: Opening allows Kohli to face more deliveries, potentially leading to a higher run tally. This is crucial considering his struggles in recent outings. Proponents argue that a familiarised opening role, like in IPL 2024 where he won the Orange Cap, can reignite his form.

    2. Aggressive Intent in Powerplay: Kohli’s strength lies in playing aggressive cricket. The opening partnership sets the tone for the innings, and Kohli’s attacking mindset can put the opposition on the back foot early on. This is especially important on sluggish pitches where a brisk start is vital.

    3. Accommodating a Flexible Middle Order: With Kohli opening, the middle order gains flexibility. Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting at number 3 has been a revelation, and the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube can play their natural game in the middle overs.

    Reasons Why Virat Kohli Should Bat At Number 3

    1. Disrupting a Proven Strategy: Historically, Kohli has thrived at number 3, anchoring the innings and building partnerships. A change in position can disrupt his rhythm and impact his batting confidence.

    2. Struggles as an Opener: Kohli’s recent form as an opener in the World Cup hasn’t been convincing. Scores of 1, 4, 0, and 24 have raised questions about his ability to adapt to the role seamlessly in high-pressure situations.

    3. Impact on Rohit Sharma: Opening alongside a struggling Kohli might put additional pressure on Rohit Sharma, another senior batsman. A struggling top order can leave the middle order exposed early on.

    Finding the Middle Ground: Can India Change The Batting Order According To The Pitch Conditions?

    Promote Kohli Up the Order Only on Flat Pitches: If the pitches become batting paradises later in the tournament, Kohli should stick to opening the innings. As we have seen in the IPL, he is very dangerous on good batting tracks and can make full use of the powerplay.

    Give Kohli a Short Leash: If his struggles as an opener continue, the team management might need to consider a change. A young talent like Yashasvi Jaiswal could be given an opportunity to showcase his skills.

    What’s My Take On Virat Kohli’s Batting Position

    Virat Kohli should continue to open the innings because he has been batting at number 3 for the last four or five World Cups, and we still haven’t won any of them. If India has decided to open with Virat Kohli, they should stick to it until the semi-finals or finals, wherever we reach. Now that Rishabh Pant looks settled at number 3, you don’t want to change the team combination against bigger opponents. All the upcoming matches will be against stronger teams, and now is not the time to experiment. Stick to this combination, as Virat is a match-winner who will eventually regain form. This gamble may prove to be a game-changer and could lead to a title win after 11 long years.

  • ‘Ishan Kishan Needs To…’, Rahul Dravid Gives One-Sentence Answer To Wicketkeeper-Batter’s Comeback, Whereabouts | cricket news

    Ishan Kishan was last seen in the Indian team on the tour of South Africa. The wicketkeeper and batter took a break from international cricket before the start of the first Test and came back to India. BCCI, reportedly, gave him the break to relax at home but he chose to spend time in Dubai partying. His action reportedly upset the senior members of the BCCI and also the Indian team management led by Rahul Dravid.

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    Since then, Ishan has found it hard to make a comeback to the national team. He was not picked for the Afghanistan T20Is and was missing from the squad for the first 2 Tests vs England. It was later learned that he was told by management to star playing domestic cricket again to make his way back to the national team.

    Rahul Dravid, India head coach, reiterated the same when he was quizzed about Ishan Kishan’s availability for the Test series. Dravid was clear in his head about the answer as he asked Kishan to prove his worth again in the domestic cricket to get his place back in the national team.

    “Ishan Kishan needs to start playing to be considered for selection, we are in touch with him,” Dravid has a one-sentence answer to the query.

    However, despite the management’s word, Ishan is not playing in Ranji Trophy at the moment. He is not part of the current Jharkhand team setup which is playing the Ranji Trophy.

    Ishan has missed his 5th straight match for Jharkhand as the confusion exists over what the wicketkeeper and batter is up to these days. Jharkhand state association JSCA secretary Debasish Chakraborty also has no idea where Kishan is.

    “No, Ishan hasn’t contacted us or told us anything about his availability. Whenever he tells us, he will walk into the playing XI,” Debasis said, as quoted by the PTI news agency.

    In January ahead of the Afghanistan T20Is, Dravid had said that Ishan has not made himself available for selection and as soon as he does, he will be required to play domestic cricket. “Ishan Kishan was not available for selection. Ishan requested for a break, which we agreed in South Africa. We supported it. He has not yet made himself available. I don’t think he has made himself available as yet. When he is available, he will play domestic cricket and make himself available for selection,” Dravid said, stressing Ishan’s possible route back to international cricket.