Rohit Sharma Smashed 5 Centuries In 2019 World Cup But Still India Lost: Aakash Chopra

The debate over India’s opening pair for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 is gaining steam. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill have been India’s first-choice openers in ODIs this year. Now, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has also given his opinion on the same.

Both of them looked solid as opening partners during the home series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the start of the year. And while the two looks set to open the innings in the upcoming marquee event, many still believe that veteran batsman Shikhar Dhawan should be given another chance.

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Shikhar Dhawan has not played for India since December last year. Shubman Gill was promoted as an opener after Dhawan’s axing and the youngster has grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Dhawan, however, has the experience and a stunning track record in ICC events on his side. Many believe that having an experienced top-order batter like Dhawan would be a good option for the team in the World Cup.

Aakash Chopra on India’s opening pair for ICC World Cup 2023:

While only time will tell who opens the innings for Team India in the forthcoming World Cup, former India opener Aakash Chopra has revealed his preferred choice. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer-turned-commentator began by saying that Rohit Sharma is a guaranteed opener.

Aakash Chopra lavished praise on Rohit and pointed out that the India captain is just a few runs away from entering the 10000-run club. As of now, Rohit has scored 9825 runs at an average of 48.63 in 243 ODIs. Aakash Chopra also highlighted Rohit’s performance in the last World Cup where he smashed a record five centuries.

“Let’s start with the captain. Take his name and the debate is over. The player’s name is Rohit Sharma. Interestingly, he is not too far from the 10000-run mark. We have not celebrated him enough, which across the board is a mistake,” said Aakash Chopra.

“He is an absolute white-ball legend but he hasn’t been the center of discussion or attraction. What was the reason for that? I am not going to go there at all but the truth is that Rohit Sharma is a runaway match-winner.”

“In the last World Cup, he struck five centuries but despite that India did not win. So it was not his mistake, he scored a lot of runs and that too in England. So Rohit Sharma is the captain and opener, so he is definitely there,” he added.

Speaking further, Aakash Chopra snubbed Dhawan and said that Gill will be Rohit’s opening partner for the World Cup.

“Along with him, the other player is Shubman Gill. There isn’t much scope for a debate there as well although we can do it just for the sake of it. There can be a debate in Test cricket but there is no debate here at this point in time. So Shubman Gill is also a certainty. You will see both of them open,” said the commentator.

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