Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels India’s think tank will ponder if they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside captain Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup 2024 as Yashasvi Jaiswal isn’t in the best of forms. Jaiswal was dismissed after scoring four runs against Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Wednesday as the ball ricocheted onto the stumps.
Jaiswal has scored 348 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29 and a strike rate of 152.63 in IPL 2024. The left-hander amassed 712 runs against England in a five-match Test series but he hasn’t been able to carry the same form in the IPL.
On the other hand, Kohli has been in sensational form in the ongoing tournament while opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The right-hander has amassed 661 runs in 13 matches at an average of 66.10 and a strike rate of 155.16 and thus he is the highest run-getter of the season.
“It’s a massive area of concern because I believe Yashasvi Jaiswal should start in the World Cup as he is a left-handed batter. So the opposing team won’t start with a left-arm spinner. They will hesitate a little if he is in form. However, in this form, the team will think twice,” Irfan Pathan said on Star Sports.
“The team will think whether they should open with in-form Virat Kohli alongside Rohit Sharma, or go with Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is young and inexperienced. So it’s extremely necessary for him to come in form,” the former India all-rounder added.
Meanwhile, RR suffered their fourth loss on the bounce against PBKS and Pathan reckons Jaiswal’s indifferent form is a cause of concern for the inaugural champions.
“The good thing for Yashasvi is that he will get chances because his team has qualified, and if they make a place in the top two, he will get more chances. Keeping that in mind, there are a few positive things for Yashasvi, but this form will trouble Rajasthan Royals a lot as well,” he said.
“(Jos) Buttler is not there. If he is not there, which is the other batter you give responsibility to, that’s Yashasvi Jaiswal. It’s not that he tried to hit in the air and got out. He went to play a normal cover drive, which he usually plays very well, and got out in that,” Pathan observed.
Rajasthan Royals will play their last league stage match of the tournament against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday.
