Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Are Undoubtedly First Choice Openers: Dinesh Karthik

Nov 21, 2021 at 10:59 AM

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Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Are Undoubtedly First Choice Openers: Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik, wicket-keeper batsman has complete faith in KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma as the go-to opening pair for Team India. He believes this should be the opening pair heading into the T20 World Cup next year.

The pair once again stitched a vital stand at the top of the order against New Zealand on Friday. They built a solid platform to secure a series win for India over New Zealand with one match remaining.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma---Image: Twitter
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma—Image: Twitter

Dinesh Karthik: Rohit Sharma And KL Rahul Are Undoubtedly First Choice Openers But India Need To Find A 3rd Opener

Dinesh Karthik feels India should focus on finding their third and final opener in the squad. He will need to bat at the top in case an injury rules out either Rohit Sharma or KL Rahul from playing. He also noted that there is no need for more than three openers in the squad.

The 117-run stand in the 2nd T20I was their fifth-century partnership as a pair in T20Is, the joint-most for any pair, equaling the feat of Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. It was also their fourth as an opening pair, equaling the feat of the Pakistani pair and India’s Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan.

Rohit Sharma now holds the record of being part of most century stands in T20I cricket, surpassing Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Martin Guptill from New Zealand.

“In my mind there is no doubt that Rohit and Rahul are the first choice openers. What they need to find out is, if one of them is injured for the World Cup, then who is going to be their third opener who can fill in. I don’t think we need more than 3 openers in the squad.”

Dinesh Karthik Photo: © Reuters (Main Image)
Dinesh Karthik Photo: © Reuters (Main Image)

Dinesh Karthik also put up some good options for the spot. Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are the other options to open in the squad while Shikhar Dhawan, who isn’t in the squad is another option for his excellent run in the last two IPL seasons.

He added: “Are you going to look towards a left-hander like Ishan Kishan, Venkatesh Iyer, or Shikhar Dhawan or someone like Ruturaj Gaikwad. One of them should definitely be given a break in the next game and the team should look into their third opener.”

Dinesh Karthik termed India’s performance in the second T20I as clinical as the team romped their way to victory without any prominent hiccups. He also lauded coach Rahul Dravid for sending Venkatesh Iyer in at No.3.

“The word here is clinical. Just going ahead with things smooth and calm manner. Good to see Iyer getting a hit. Good on Rahul Dravid to promote him up the order. Straightforward finish for India very good batting upfront by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, let’s not forget about the quality of the knocks they both played.” Karthik explained.

The KKR all-rounder came into bat in the previous contest in a pressure situation and perished in just two deliveries. This time around, he was able to settle in and assess the conditions. The team was already in a comfortable position by the time he arrived at the crease. He remained unbeaten on 12 off 11 deliveries as Rishabh Pant finished the innings from the other end with his pyrotechnics.

Dinesh Karthik: India Must Continue In The Same Vein While New Zealand Would Be Disappointed To Lose The T20I Series Despite Coming As T20I WC Runners Up

Dinesh Karthik noted India’s dominance in bilateral series, especially at home. He feels that the process under coach Rahul Dravid is in place for the team to succeed at big tournaments in a similar fashion.

“Disappointing from New Zealand’s perspective, coming in as runner-ups in a World Cup final and pretty much getting thrashed in both matches by India here. This also goes on to show India’s ability to do so well in bilateral series and if they continue in the same way, form, and confidence like this into multi-nation tournaments, we will be unstoppable in many ways, the process is already out in place, we have a good coach and a steady captain. Interesting times ahead for Team India.” Karthik elaborated.

Rahul Dravid Photo Credit: PTI
Rahul Dravid Photo Credit: PTI

India has already secured the series following wins in Jaipur and Ranchi. The focus is expected to be on bench strength as the teams move to Kolkata to play the third and final T20I of the series.

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