Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull has suggested a bold strategy for Team India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Simon Doull excluded Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, as well as all-rounder Hardik Pandya, from his selected XI for the ICC tournament.

The Men in Blue last participated in a bilateral T20I series against Afghanistan in January this year, followed by a five-match Test series against England at home. Currently, Indian cricketers are actively participating with various franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

With just two weeks left for the BCCI to announce the 15-member squad for India’s T20 World Cup in June, the selection committee has received a new suggestion. Simon Doull revealed India’s XI for the World Cup, with surprising exclusions of key players.

Virat Kohli should open – Simon Doull

During a conversation on Cricbuzz, Simon Doull suggested that Virat Kohli should open the batting for the Men in Blue in the World Cup. Doull emphasized Kohli’s exceptional form and ability against fast bowlers, making him the ideal choice for the opening position.

“I think Virat should open… 100 per cent. I don’t think he should bat at number three, because if he does, Rinku Singh will miss out. And in my Indian starting XI, Rinku has to play. Therefore, Virat has to open the batting. Now who he opens with is up to you. Whether it is Rohit Sharma or Jaiswal. But Kohli has to open, because in the modern game that is his best position. He hits fast bowlers as well as anyone and times the ball beautifully. Going in and starting against spin is not your best option.” Doll said.

Virat Kohli has batted primarily at number 3 in 80 of his 109 T20I innings for India, amassing 3076 runs at an average of 53.96. In his overall T20I career, he scored 4037 runs at an average of 51.76 and a strike rate of 138.16, including one century and 37 fifties, with a highest score of 122.

In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, the 35-year-old batsman holds the Orange Cap with 319 runs scored in six innings at an average of 79.75 and a strike rate of 141.78, including a century and two and a half centuries. Notably, he previously opened in the 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2023 IPL seasons.

He has opened in international cricket only nine times, amassing 400 runs at a strike rate of 161.29, and his notable performance was 122* in the Asia Cup 2022. In the IPL, Kohli scored 3930 runs as an opener, with the eight of his centuries in the tournament coming in this role.

Sanju Samson at 3, Shivam Dube at 5 – Simon Doull

Simon Doull excluded Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant from the middle order, opting for Sanju Samson as the wicketkeeper and Shivam Dube in the all-rounder role.

“It seems stupid to me, but Jaiswal is out. But if that is the case, you could have Sanju at 3, Suryakumar at 4, Dube and Rinku at 5 and 6, Jadeja at 7.” he added.

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