Indian captain Virat Kohli addressed the media before the start of the first match of the upcoming 5-match One Day International (ODI) series against West Indies. Kohli, who is under a lot of pressure to do well after his rift with Anil Kumble that resulted in later resigning as head coach of India Cricket Team.
Kohli, who is known for not mincing his words in pressers, spoke about the much talked about opening slot and who will partner Shikhar Dhawan at the top of the order. Dhawan, who was the leading run scorer of recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2017, is a sure shot pick for the opening slot. After Rohit Sharma was rested for the series and young Rishabh Pant was picked in the squad, fans were speculating who will open the innings. Will it be old horse Ajinkya Rahane or the young gun Rishabh Pant?
Rahane has been a part of India’s limited-overs squad for a very long time now but he still hasn’t cemented his place. He prefers the opening slot but in the last 2 years or so, Dhawan and Rohit have been doing well for India at the top of the order and this is why Rahane has batted at many different positions in ODI cricket.
But, Indian captain Virat Kohli has made it absolutely clear that Ajinkya Rahane will open the innings for India alongside Shikhar Dhawan in the ODI series against West Indies. Kohli said that Rahane will be starting for sure with Dhawan. He also said that the opening spot is the best position to bat for Rahane and he sees him more powerful as an opener in short format of the game.
“We have Ajinkya Rahane who will be starting for sure with Shikhar Dhawan. We see him more powerful in the opening slot. During the course of five games, he will be opening with Shikhar,” Kohli said.
