Virat Kohli’s brilliant century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2022 served to hide India’s poor performance in the tournament. After waiting for almost 3 years, Virat Kohli’s 71st century would come like this, probably no one had thought. This was also Virat Kohli’s first century in T20 for India, which came as a opening batsman.
Earlier, Virat Kohli’s highest score in T20 cricket was 94 not out, which he made while batting at number three. India have tried many opening options in recent times but they have not been successful. Rohit Sharma has done well in a few matches but could not find a better option as his partner.
In such a situation, we take a look at 3 seasons why opening is ideal position for Virat Kohli and for Team India.
Virat Kohli has a good experience of opening in IPL
Virat Kohli has opened in a total of 84 innings out of 215 for RCB in the IPL. During this, he has scored 2972 runs with the help of five centuries and 20 half-centuries. He has an average of 41.86 and a strike rate of 134.54. While opening, Virat Kohli has scored the most runs of his IPL career and also he has scored five career centuries as an opener. Looking at the IPL statistics, it would not be wrong to say that Virat Kohli can prove to be more effective as an opener.
Virat’s number opening for India is quite good
Virat may have opened for the team in only 9 innings so far in T20 Internationals, but his average is the highest while opening. As an opener, he has scored 400 runs in 9 innings with one century and two half-centuries with an average of 57.14 and strike rate of 161.29.
Batting at number three, he has scored 2623 runs in 67 innings with the help of 27 half-centuries with an average of 54.65 and a strike rate of 135.07. These figures clearly show that Virat Kohli has a much better average and strike rate as an opener and he can be fed at this position.
A good coordination between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are among the senior players of the current team. Not only on the field but also off the field, the coordination of these two players is very good and on many occasions these two players have been seen standing in front of the media for each other.
Together, these two have scored 1053 runs in 28 innings which is the third highest partnership runs for India in the shortest format. Both the veteran batters also have a lot of experience. In such a situation, if these two players open for the team, then the pressure on the bowlers of the opposition team can be a lot.