'Open With Kohli And Jaiswal': Matthew Hayden Asks Rohit To 'Compromise'

Virat Kohli has received Matthew Hayden's backing to open at T20 World Cup 2024 (AP)Virat Kohli has received Matthew Hayden's backing to open at T20 World Cup 2024 (AP)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled India’s 15-player squad for the forthcoming 2024 T20 World Cup late last month. Much to everybody’s surprise, regular limited-overs opener Shubman Gill was relegated into the travelling reserves instead of finding his name among the primary 15.

Meanwhile, rising star Yashasvi Jaiswal, who also opened the Indian innings against Afghanistan earlier this year alongside captain Rohit Sharma, will likely reprise his role for the ‘Men in Blue’ at the impending 20-team carnival.

BCCI’s selection and past history aside, former Australian cricketer and active commentator Matthew Hayden believes Sharma should demote himself down the batting order to make way for teammate Virat Kohli at the top.

Hayden advices Kohli-Jaiswal opening combo to Sharma

Matthew Hayden, currently in India as part of the commentary panel for the IPL 2024 season, believes the Indian team management should open with in-form batters Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies next month.

Moreover, the legendary Australian cricketer also advised Indian skipper Rohit Sharma to demote himself down to number four in the batting order, and promote dangerman Suryakumar Yadav to number three.

Compatible with Matthew Hayden’s calculated advice, India’s middle-order star Virat Kohli has emerged as the leading run-scorer of IPL 2024 as an opener for the RCB franchise. Moreover, young Yashasvi Jaiswal has also stacked up runs in heap at the top of the order for Rajasthan Royals.

Team India will commence their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign with a Group A match against Ireland on June 5 at New York. Rohit Sharma and co. will be expected to travel to the United States shortly after the conclusion of the IPL 2024 season in India.