T20 World Cup 2024: Virat Kohli's Opening Role Key To India's Strategy

Virat Kohli is likely to open with Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup 2024, generating significant interest within the cricket community. India's strategy to maximise Kohli's potential in the T20I format involves positioning him as an opener. Kohli's performance in 2024, where he scored 741 runs at a strike rate exceeding 150 to win the Orange Cap, underscores his capability.

The team management aims to leverage Kohli's skills during the powerplay restrictions, hoping to end India's 11-year drought for an ICC title. As an opener in T20Is, Kohli has accumulated 400 runs from nine outings, averaging 57.14 with a strike rate of 161.29. His record includes one hundred and two fifties.

Early in his career, Kohli opened with Gautam Gambhir against New Zealand in a T20I match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on September 11, 2012. New Zealand set a target of 167/5 after being asked to bat first. Kohli and Gambhir managed only 26 runs off 18 balls before Gambhir was caught and bowled by Kyle Mills.

Kohli remained steadfast, forming a 60-run partnership with Suresh Raina (27). Despite Raina's departure in the 11th over, Kohli continued to push the score. He amassed 70 runs off just 41 balls before being dismissed on the first ball of the 14th over. His innings featured ten fours and a six.

India lost momentum after Kohli's departure and fell one run short of the target. The team also lost the two-match series. MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who batted at six, remained unbeaten on 22 and four respectively.