Rohit Sharma should bat at No. 3, Virat Kohli should open in T20 World Cup for India: Ajay Jadeja

Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja has proposed a strategic shift in the batting order for India's team at the upcoming T20 World Cup, suggesting that captain Rohit Sharma take the number three spot while promoting Virat Kohli to opener. This suggestion comes as India gears up for their campaign beginning with a match against Ireland on June 5.

Speaking with Jio Cinema, Jadeja elaborated on his perspective, emphasising the tactical advantage of this lineup change. "For me, Virat Kohli opens. Who goes back? Rohit Sharma bats at three. He gets a little cushion and gets to understand the game, he has so much going on, in his mind as a captain," he explained. Jadeja pointed out that this adjustment could help Rohit, who juggles the responsibilities of captaincy, by allowing him more time to assess the game situation before stepping onto the pitch.

Jadeja also highlighted Kohli's reliability and effectiveness, especially during the powerplay overs. "If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him. He's best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in," he added, advocating for Kohli's prowess as an opener.

Additionally, Jadeja supported the selection of Hardik Pandya, despite his current form challenges, citing his unique capabilities. "The spotlight is on him for obvious reasons. He's a special player, a rare commodity you find in our country where somebody bowls seam-up and can make it to the side with his batting," Jadeja commented, referencing the ongoing discussions surrounding Pandya's role as Mumbai Indians captain and his form in the IPL.

Pandya, slated to serve as Rohit's deputy during the World Cup, has not been in peak form in the IPL, raising questions about his readiness for the World Cup. However, Jadeja dismissed concerns about Pandya's selection being form-based. "The selection has not been on form, there's no doubt about it. It depends on how you want to play. It's one of the things I look at this team and think they don't have many options," he stated.

He further noted the solidity of the established players in the squad, emphasizing that the ultimate strategy would hinge on Rohit Sharma's decisions. "You have established players in the side, everybody is so solid with the numbers that they play at, and what stage they play. It will all depend on what Rohit thinks," Jadeja concluded.

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(With PTI inputs)