New Delhi

West Indian great Brian Lara has said the opening pair of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma would not be a great strategy for the Indian team at the upcoming T20 World Cup. Lara said if India are to utilise the powerplay overs during the tournament they need to pair a younger name with one of the experienced duo at the top. 

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There has been a raging debate amongst Indian fans that the T20 team should move on from the old guard and play the new, exciting talents who have been playing the format the modern way. 

“I think when you are picking your team and your batting order, you have to pick the team on the basis of what you want your players to do. It doesn’t matter who fills that spot. They have a job. If you want to score 70-80 in the first 6 overs, you have got to pick players to do so, it doesn’t matter the name of the players,” said Lara during the Star Sports virtual press conference.  

“So, for me, they are great players (Rohit and Virat), I think though that you should have some youthful punch in the opening spot. One of the younger players, showing their mettle, showing what they are capable of and have one of those experienced players shepherd the innings in the middle order right through till the end," he added. 

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Lara said having one of Kohli or Rohit at no. 3 would be the better ploy as some experienced batter would be at the crease even if the team lost a wicket early. 

"Having that experience up front, it could have a negative effect if they get dismissed early, so I will use one yes, but use the other at No. 3."

Also read | IPL 2024: RCB batter Virat Kohli's record-extending ton against RR slowest in league history

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Kohli under scrutiny

Notably, Kohli came under heavy scrutiny post the match against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (Apr 6) where he smashed his eighth IPL century. However, it was the joint-slowest century in IPL history, alongside Manish Pandey's 67-ball ton against Deccan Chargers in 2009. 

Pundits argued that Kohli's innings was more counterproductive to RCB's cause than other batters as the team only lost three wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. RCB finished with only 183 on board and eventually lost the contest by six wickets as Jos Buttler smashed a 58-ball hundred. 

(With inputs from agencies)