During the press conference ahead of the three-match T20 series against Afghanistan, Team India head coach Rahul Dravid addressed various speculations. Dravid confirmed the absence of key players, discussed the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and touched on topics like Mohali weather and the opening combination.
Responding to a question about the possibility of Rohit and Kohli opening the batting, Dravid affirmed that, for the series opener, captain Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal would form the opening pair.
Dravid emphasized the flexibility within the squad but expressed contentment with Jaiswal’s performance as an opener, citing the left-hand combination he brings to the top order.
While acknowledging that changes might occur, Dravid stated, “Nothing is closed but we’re happy with what Jaiswal has done as an opener for us.” Jaiswal, nominated for the ICC Emerging Player of the Year Award, boasts a commendable T20I record, scoring 430 runs in 15 matches with an average of 33.07 and a strike rate of 159.25.
Rohit Sharma, returning to T20Is after 14 months, aims for a strong start in Mohali’s colder temperatures, with the spotlight on the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Jaiswal-Rohit opening duo potentially sidelines Shubman Gill, even for the entire series, as Virat Kohli is set to make a comeback from the second game onwards.
