In Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, India has a formidable top order, but they have been failing to deliver more often than on in T20s. Despite their truckload of talent and ability to hit any bowler on any given day, the trio is finding it difficult to keep up with the increasing demands of strike-rate early in their innings. Kohli was the highest run0getter in the T20 World Cup 2022, but with him playing the anchor, India needed KL Rahul to bat freely at the top, which didn’t happen.
Looking at India’s issues at the top of the order, former England skipper, Nasser Hussain said they need a leader like Eoin Morgan, who would set them free as Hussain believes, the likes of Rahul and Rohit can instill fear in the opposition bowling attacks. Michael Atherton, another former England skipper, however, believes it is easier said than done.
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Atherton asked Hussain if the fear of losing their spot stops India’s top-order to bat freely. During a chat on Sky Sports, Michael Atherton said, “You talk about the Morgan impact on England and rightly so. But do you think it’s harder in India for two reasons, one is the number of cricketers they have so obviously the competition is greater? You kind of feel, if you lose your place and somebody comes in, you might get your spot back again.”
He further added, “And also the differential between the match fees paid by BCCI and sponsorship arrangements that these big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul, there’s a huge differential, much bigger than England. Do you think these two factors make it more difficult for India?”
Nasser Hussain came up with a brilliant response, saying Rohit Sharma has scored three double centuries in ODIs and four centuries in T20I cricket, he really shouldn’t be worried about his spot in the side and so shouldn’t KL Rahul.
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The former skipper said, “I think you are complicating things. I wouldn’t be worried if they weren’t incredibly talented cricketers. You’re not talking about someone who is on the edge of the seat for a place in the side. You’re talking about Rohit Sharma, who has got two (three) double-hundreds in ODI cricket, so the guy can smash it. You’re talking about KL Rahul, when you do see him bat. I think it’s the fear.”
Rohit, Rahul, and Kohli won’t be a part of India’s limited-overs tour to New Zealand. Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain for the three-match T20I series while Shikhar Dhawan will take over the reins in the ODIs.
