KL Rahul And Rohit Sharma Potentially The Best Opening Pair At The T20 World Cup: Graeme Swann

Former England spin bowler Graeme Swann said that Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are potentially the best opening pair in the T20 World Cup.

Rohit was once again back to open India’s innings with KL Rahul on Wednesday against Afghanistan after the former was demoted to bat at No.3 against New Zealand.

Rohit Sharma-KL Rahul torment Afghanistan

Rohit and Rahul dismantled the Afghanistan bowling attack, which boasted much about spin with the likes of Rashid Khan and skipper Mohammad Nabi.

Rashid failed against the Indian openers as he was taken to cleaners by Rohit in the 14th over, smashing two successive sixes on the final two balls.

Rohit (74) and Rahul (69) put a 140-run stand between them as India posted the highest total of this tournament of 210/2.

Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul should open the batting for India: Graeme Swann

Swann said that the Indian openers are world-class pair and should open together with skipper Virat Kohli expected to bat at No.3.

“The way I see it, India have got KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma potentially the best opening pair at the T20 World Cup. Yes, things need to go their way and they need a partnership. But they are absolute world-class, incredible T20 batsmen,” Swann told Cricket.com.

“But both of them are effective only if they get all 20 overs to bat. Therefore, they should open the batting and India should build the team around that. Have those two open the innings and Virat Kohli at No. 3 grabbing the game by the scruff of its neck.

“I wouldn’t look to shake the whole thing up or change the whole team. I would just say to the players, ‘Rohit, KL you are opening the batting. Just do what you did in the IPL, mate. You’ve played on these wickets, against these players. KL, go get one of those hundreds you’re famous for. Rohit, smash it everywhere. Don’t be timid,” he added.

India eventually won the match by 66 runs to keep their slender hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive.

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