Virat Kohli Says 'No Guarantee' On Him Opening Alongside Rohit Sharma In T20Is

Indian captain Virat Kohli donned a new role in the fifth T20I as he opened the innings with Rohit Sharma that also yielded successful results. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma set the foundation for a series-clinching victory on Saturday in Ahmedabad as they built a 94-run opening partnership. But the 32-year old clarified that there is no guarantee of them doing it in the future.

Virat Kohli took matters into his hands in the fifth T20I as India’s struggles in the powerplay continued. India’s captain and vice-captain began dominating England’s potent pace-bowling attack from the outset as they both set the foundation for a mammoth total. Kohli and Rohit scored 80 and 64, respectively, to lift India to 224 in 20 overs and later register a 36-run win.

Virat Kohli mentioned that it was a strategic move to open with Rohit Sharma and the world saw the effects of doing it together. Even though the right-handed batsman would open in IPL, he clarified it would not continue in the future. Kohli said that he wants to understand his role as an opener to open up a spot for Suryakumar Yadav since he must be ready to play any part. Thus, they will take a decision closer to the mega tournament.

“As Rohit mentioned, it was a strategic move, but we enjoyed batting together and we saw the effects of batting together. It’s not a guarantee that this is going to continue in the future. I am going to open in IPL to keep all options. Now I want to understand my role as an opener as well so that I can open up a slot for someone like Surya. I should be able to play any kind of role that the team requires me to. We’ll take a call closer to the World Cup,” Kohli said in a press conference.

When it comes to ODIs, there are no doubts about that: Virat Kohli

Ahead of the three-match ODI series, the Indian captain revealed that Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma would open the innings and there are no second thoughts since they have been outstanding in the last few years.

“Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma will definitely open. When it comes to ODIs, there are no doubts about that. They’ve been amazing over the past few years,” he added.

Also Read: Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma Have Respect For Each Other’s Game And Approach: Ajay Jadeja