Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has added that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cannot be included among the most explosive opening pairs in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He named Phil Salt and Jos Buttler as the most destructive opening pair in the ongoing tournament as well. Rohit has scored 76 runs at a strike rate of 111.76 in four innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Kohli has managed only 29 runs at a strike rate of 87.87 in his four knocks as well.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to put Rohit and Virat’s name on that list because they are not even consistent as of now, and secondly, they are definitely not explosive if you see it from that perspective. Both have the ability – yes, but are they currently – no. So from a very unbiased point of view, I feel they are not on this list. So Phil Salt with Jos Buttler, and David Warner with Travis Head will remain. It’s an incredibly close fight. I am actually going with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, although Travis Head and David Warner are equally dangerous.”
He also named Salt and Buttler ahead of David Warner and Travis Head for the post. Salt has smashed 158 runs which came at a strike rate of 177.52 in five innings in the 2024 T20 World Cup as well. Buttler has been less destructive, amassing 108 runs so far as well.
“There are two left-handers on one side and two right-handers on the other. I still remember the amazing knock Phil Salt played against the West Indies, although Travis Head also destroyed Bangladesh recently. Both (pairs) are in good form and are playing well. Both are good opening partnerships and both at some stage will play against us for sure. The Australian ones will be seen playing on the 24th and maybe the England ones in the semi-final on the 27th, but I feel Jos Buttler-Phil Salt. I am going with them,” Aakash Chopra concluded.