Virat Kohli confirms Ajinkya Rahane as opener for India's tour of West Indies
Rohit Sharma had a long-drawn recovery from an injury, before playing in the IPL and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Port of Spain: India captain Virat Kohli has a number of worries at hand, ahead of his side’s tour of West Indies, on Friday.
India have suffered a morale-sucking 180-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, last week. Things have been further complicated with the departure of head coach Anil Kumble amidst differences with Kohli.
The immediate problem that the India skipper needs to tackle is that of the absence of star opening batsman Rohit Sharma, who has been rested for this tour; Rohit had had a long-drawn recovery from an injury, before playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the ICC Champions Trophy, which is why he has been given a rest for the West Indies tour.
When asked about who will open Team India’s batting, Kohli gave a prompt reply: “Opening is the slot that suits Rahane.”
Rahane is someone, who has generally played in India’s middle order, be it in Tests, or in limited overs cricket. However, Kohli went on to explain that the 29-year-old is someone who can do well while opening the innings.
“He has batted in the middle order also but we see him to be more powerful in the opening slot. That is where he can play his game the best. So, during the course of all these five games, Ajinkya will open.”
When asked whether the team feels after having played a lot of cricket over the last one year (they played 13 home Tests last season, followed by the IPL, and the Champions Trophy), Kohli said that the relaxed nature of the cricketing culture in the Caribbean makes the tour better for the cricketers.
“It is a lovely atmosphere to be a part of after a high-profile tournament like the Champions Trophy. It is great to be in a relaxing place. All the players are relaxed and are looking forward to some cricket in the West Indies, where cricket is always enjoyed because of the way culture is here,” said Kohli. “Relaxed and you are at ease. As such, it is always a nice feeling coming here.”