3 reasons why Virat Kohli should open in T20Is for Team India

The proposition of Virat Kohli opening the innings for India in T20Is has always been fascinating to the Indians. It will indeed be a great sight to see the two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, opening the innings for India. In this article, we will throw some light on 3 reasons why Virat Kohli should embrace this new role in T20Is. 

Prior experience

This role will certainly be a new role for Virat Kohli in international but the Indian talisman has got the prior experience of opening the innings in T20 cricket. He has done that for a long time in IPL for his franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore. Virat has consistently been opening the innings for RCB in the franchise which is why it will not take much effort for him to adapt to this position in the Indian colours. 

Exceptional record

We just discussed the experience that Virat Kohli already has as an opener and now his track record must also be mentioned. The former India skipper has not just played as an opener but the modern master has excelled in this role for his franchise. Interestingly, Virat has more runs as an opener in IPL than what he has accumulated at his natural No.3 position. 

He has got more than 3500 runs as an opener at a strike rate of 135.44. These stats suggest only one thing – the undisputed credentials of Virat Kohli as an opener in T20 cricket. 

More time on the crease

It is said that the best batter of the team among all the other names should invest the most time on the crease in a T20 game. Going by that rationale, Virat Kohli must open the innings for India in T20Is as he is certainly the best batter of the team and he should get the most time to assess the situation and express himself accordingly. 

The Indian team is only going to benefit if this change is introduced and it might prove to be a historic decision in a World Cup year.