Ahead of their opening fixture at the T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan, India is locking horns with England in a warm-up game. During the toss in the first warm-up match, Virat Kohli has confirmed that he will be batting at the No.3 position, and KL Rahul will be opening for India along with Rohit Sharma.

Speaking after winning the toss against England in the warm-up match, Kohli confirmed that KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will open for India, he will be batting at No.3. The Indian captain further stated that considering Rahul’s performance in IPL, it is difficult to look beyond him. 

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During the toss, Virat Kohli said, “We will bowl first. We have had success in the past. So we want to create that same energy. Adaptability, how plays where is what matters. We are pretty solid in how we are going to start in the first game. We will look to give game-time to most of them. Things were different before IPL, now it’s difficult to look beyond KL Rahul. He’s been solid upfront. I will be batting at 3. That’s the only thing I can say for now (smiles).”

In the match, India invited England to bat first after winning the toss. England has rested their regular captain Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler is leading in his absence. Further, outgoing head coach Ravi Shastri said that his boys are already prepared with their outings in the IPL 2021.

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Ravi Shastri said, “Boys have been playing IPL for the last 2 months, so I don’t think they need too much preparation. It’s more about them getting together and adapting together. Get some rhythm going, some energy going. Everyone can bat, everyone can bowl (in this game), so it will help us to get an idea about who is doing how. Not really (regarding any locked strategy). We’ll just see how things go and work a combination around. We’ll just try to see how much dew is around and accordingly decide to bat/bowl first. Also helps us decide about playing an extra spinner or seamer.”