Virat Kohli’s Asia Cup century against Afghanistan could not have arrived at a better moment. The former captain of the Indian cricket team roared back to form in the continental competition with two half-centuries and a tonne after having his form called into doubt. During the first innings of India’s final Super 4 game, the century was scored. The former India wicketkeeper argued that Kohli should continue opening the innings alongside captain Rohit Sharma because the T20 World Cup in Australia begins in little over a month. “It’s very clear. If I was clear that Virat Kohli should be opening in Asia Cup, he should be opening in World Cup as well. It just gives the right balance,” Parthiv Patel said.
“They (Kohli and Rohit Sharma) are two different kinds of players. One goes very aggressive (from the beginning), can hit boundaries, and there is Kohli who finds gaps and creates boundaries without losing shape. If Rohit and Kohli can play till the first six overs I have no doubt that even in Australian conditions more often than not they will get India to around fifty. “That is a good score without losing a wicket. Kohli is probably India’s best batter suited for those conditions. So why not. New ball will be key in Australia. You have got your two best batters playing the first six overs. If you have wickets in hand, that has always been the recipe for success for any T20 team.” India play their first match at the T20 World Cup against Pakistan on October 23.
