Ravi Shastri opposes the idea of Virat Kohli opening for India

Shastri in frame with Kohli. (PC-Twitter)

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri feels that Virat Kohli should not be considered as an opener in T20 Internationals and suggested India to stick with the first-choice combination of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul.

Virat Kohli, while opening for India, has recorded his first international hundred in nearly three years against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. He was also the highest run-getter for India.

Kohli’s majestic 71st century against Afghanistan in their last Asia Cup encounter sparked a debate on Rohit Sharma's opening partner in the upcoming T20 World Cup starting next month in Australia. With incumbent opener, KL Rahul failing to get substantial scores under his belt in the Asia Cup, many cricket pundits advised the Indian team management to look at Kohli as the new opener of the T20I team alongside Rohit.

The prospect of promoting Kohli in the batting order seemed quite valid considering his record as an opener in all T20s.

Speaking on the hot topic, the cricketer turned commentator said that Kohli's opening should be considered as a second option, whereas KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma should be the primary openers for India Down Under.

“I wouldn't want that. I would want (KL) Rahul and Rohit (Sharma). Only if there is emergency or there is injury then it is fine otherwise I feel that you need that depth in the lower middle order and the experience, especially in the Australian conditions where as a fast bowler you can get wickets in the middle over,” Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports during the second T20I.