IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli Is Struggling, Shikhar Dhawan Is Looking Rusty, And Rohit Sharma Hasn't Been Consistent – Wasim Jaffer

Former India National Cricket Team opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed concern over the performance of India’s ODI top-order, consisting of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

India’s big guns – Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli – haven’t been in very good form lately. Skipper Rohit looked sensational in the first game and smashed a terrific half-century and Dhawan also played a decent knock.

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However, in the second and third ODI both India openers failed to perform well. Also, modern-day batting great Kohli struggled for runs throughout the India tour of England 2022.

Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, said that the failure of the top-order in the England ODIs is a concern. However, he added that the Indian captain would be delighted with the contribution of the middle-order batters. He asserted:

“India have always played well when the top three have scored runs. But that didn’t happen in the last two ODIs and that is something they need to look at. Virat Kohli is struggling at the moment and Shikhar Dhawan is looking rusty.

“Rohit Sharma also hasn’t been as consistent as we’d want him to be. But it would still make Sharma happy if the middle-order batters are playing this well.”

Notably, India’s middle-order batters Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya played stunning knocks in the final ODI to help India finalize the series victory.

India need to look at the No.8 position in their batting order – Wasim Jaffer

Former India opener further said that India cannot afford to have a long tail in limited-overs cricket and they need to bring in a bowling all-rounder like Shardul Thakur and Deepak Chahar at the No.8 position. He asserted:

“India need to look at the No.8 position in their batting order. They can bring in someone like Shardul Thakur or Deepak Chahar. They cannot afford to have such a long tail going forward, especially with the World Cup coming up. If Hardik Pandya bowls like this, it gives India an opportunity to play a bowling all-rounder.”

Also Read: ENG vs IND: Rishabh Pant Made Sure This Time He Finished On The Right Side – Wasim Jaffer

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