Former Team India pace bowler RP Singh said that senior batter Virat Kohli should be Rohit Sharma’s opening partner in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup. He added that the Indian team should have the in-form Kohli at the top of the order instead of Yashasvi Jaiswal as well. However, Singh also opined that both keeper-batters Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant could be added to India’s playing XI at the mega event.

He said during a chat with IndiaToday.in: “If you ask me, then I would want Virat Kohli to open with Rohit Sharma. Sanju Samson should bat at No. 3. 100 percent. They both can play as in the XI. You can play Suryakumar Yadav at 4, Rishabh Pant at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. It depends on the team combination also. The captain and coach should take the coach. We need such a line-up.”

RP Singh also backed all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had a poor IPL 2024 as the MI captain to turn things around at the T20 World Cup. Sharing how Pandya will be crucial for the balance of the team, he added: “What is important as a player? Your commitment and your performances. He tried his best even in the IPL. He was bowling four overs. That’s very important. Hardik Pandya’s performance will be crucial especially when it comes to the balance of the team. If he is finds good form early, it will help the team.”

He further shared how Team India played exceptionally well at the 2023 ODI World Cup last year. They reached the final with a
10-match winning streak. However, they suffered a heartbreaking six-wicket defeat to Australia in the final. The veteran believes that the defeat will motivate Indian players.

“100 percent it will motivate them, they played superbly throughout the tournament. In the end, they lost just one match. Even in the IPL, their performances have been good. Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap. They are impact players. When it comes to big matches, Virat Kohli has always stepped up. So they will do well in the big tournament,” RP Singh concluded.