Asia Cup 2022: Ex-India Coach Ravi Shastri Drops Big Hint On The 'Third Opener' Conundrum
Published - 09 Sep 2022, 09:56 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:12 AM
One of the biggest positives for India in an otherwise disappointing Asia Cup 2022 campaign is former skipper Virat Kohli finding his rhythm back. During India’s last Super 4s match against Afghanistan, Kohli ended a long wait for a century, smashing an unbeaten 122.
He reigstered the elusive 71st international ton and in the process also scored his maided T20I century. Kohli equalled Australia great Ricky Ponting for the feat. The unbeaten 122-run innings from Kohli also put him in the record books for being India’s highest scorer in a single T20I innings.
Having Virat Kohli as a third opener will give Team India more opportunity to use a extra batsman
Following the innings, former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who worked closely with Kohli lauded the Indian batter and said while commentating on Star Sports, “I think what today’s innings of Virat Kohli has done, is that it has thrown the spanner in the works. It is allowed now for the selectors to think, ‘do we need a third opener?’”
“When Virat Kohli is there, you got KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, and Virat could well be the third opener in case there’s an injury. It allows you to have an extra fast bowler, as well as an extra batsman in the middle order. So, it does open some opportunity,” Shastri further added.
Virat Kohli equals Ponting’s record; only behind Sachin Tendulkar in overall international centuries
Following his iconic knock, Virat Kohli equalled Australia great Ricky Ponting for the feat and now remains only behind fellow countryman Sachin Tendulkar (100) in terms of most international tons.
Kohli made a return to the Indian team after more than a month’s break from the sport, following an extended patch of low-scoring games. The former India captain is likely to be seen in action next in the T20I series against Australia which begins on September 20.
