No Place For Kohli, Let Rahul Bat At No. 3

Odisha Bytes has got a great response from its readers and cricket buffs to whom we had requested to share their Dream Indian Team for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Here goes the first article in the Dream Team series:

Team India have a number of attacking players. So while batting first, they should target a score of 200. But while bowling first, the aim should be to keep the opposition’s score to within 170 as there can be pressure while chasing.

Rohit & Ishan as openers

I would like to open with Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul can replace either of them, if required. Both Rohit and Ishan are aggressive and can make best use of the power play overs. However, the latter does not appear to be in the reckoning right now, so I will go with Shikhar as Rohit’s partner.

The tricky choice

Virat Kohli has finally struck form. But he sits out in my team because his performance in the last couple of years has been patchy. He has proved unreliable despite his vast experience. I would have Rahul, a batsman with similar approach, in his place at No. 3.

Middle-order selects itself

Suryakumar Yadav is a clear choice for the No. 4 slot. There’s no doubt about his ability to score runs at will, in any situation. Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya are the best suited for the middle order, they select themselves because of their power hitting. Ravindra Jadeja would have been the ideal man at No. 7 as he is a dependable late-order batsman who can bat with the tail. Since he may not be available after undergoing surgery recently, Axar Patel should be considered as his replacement.

Bumrah leads attack

Jasprit Bumrah is an automatic choice. He should be supported by Mohammad Siraj and Arshdeep Singh in pace department. All bowlers have variety and are experienced in bowling in all situations. The main spinner’s slot goes to Yuzvendra Chahal. I will keep left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Singh in the squad, so that he can be in the mix considering the nature of pitch and the opposition. With two all-rounders in Hardik and Axar, it will be a strong bowling unit.

THE DREAM XI

Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Md Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

Also Read: Dear Readers, What’s Your Dream Team India For T20 World Cup?