In India’s tournament opener against Ireland, Kohli, as an opener, was dismissed cheaply, scoring just 1 run off 5 balls. Despite this, the Indian team management appears set to continue with this batting order for their crucial match against Pakistan on Sunday.
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Akmal expressed his disagreement with this strategy, suggesting that Kohli should be positioned at No. 3, where he can anchor the innings and guide the team through the middle overs.
“I don’t think the batting order is correct. Virat Kohli can take the pressure at No.3 and finish the match. That is very important for Team India. Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the batting. Kohli should come at 3. If India stick to this batting order (of Kohli) opening, then they may get stuck at some point. Kohli holds one end up and finishes off the game. I think India are making a mistake by opening with Kohli,” Akmal said on his YouTube channel.
Kohli has extensive experience as an opener for his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In the recently concluded IPL, Kohli won the Orange Cap, scoring 741 runs at a strike rate of 154.
India delivered a comprehensive performance in their first match of the tournament, but their real test lies ahead against Pakistan. The Pakistan team, reeling from a shock defeat to the USA, will be eager to bounce back.
“India will be confident. Bumrah bowled well, Siraj did well. Hardik Pandya also got wickets. They have three matches at the same venue, that will also be an advantage,” Akmal noted.
Akmal also criticized the quality of the pitches in New York, calling on the ICC to ensure better playing surfaces for the marquee matches. “ICC will have to produce better pitches for big matches. Otherwise, people will go away from this World Cup,” he warned.
As India prepare for the high-stakes clash against Pakistan, all eyes will be on their batting order and whether they stick with Kohli as an opener.
