Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan who represented India from 2003 to 2012 in all three formats picked his top three for the World Cup and has included Virat Kohli in his preferred top three. India’s batting order has been under pressure in the knockout matches in ICC tournaments over the years.
There are lots of candidates for fighting for the top three spots for the World Cup with Rohit Sharma being the captain the question is who will partner him in the opening spot and who will play at number three. Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jiaswal and Ishan Kishan all have made a very strong case for themselves in this ongoing IPL.
Virat Kohli has been exceptional for India in the number three spot over the years. Finishing games off or leaving India in a winning position has been very normal for him at this position. Virat Kohli averages 51 in T20 cricket with a strike rate of 138.16.
Virat Kohli is a no-brainer in the Top three reckons Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan has backed Virat Kohli at number three and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Rohit Sharma saying :
“Now that World Cup is nearing. My top 3 for team India. 1) Rohit Sharma (in form as well as captain) 2) Yashasvi Jaiswal (been saying that he should be there even before his 100 purely cos he was performing well for team India before the ipl) 3) Virat Kohli. (Shouldn’t be any question regarding his place or strike rate. His strike rate at the T20I is 138 + Better than Chris Gayle+ 51 avg. N his ipl strike rate this season is 150),” Irfan Pathan posted on Twitter (X)
Yashasvi Jaiswal seemed to have struggled in the first half of the IPL season but made but a brilliant hundred in his last outing against Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Irfan Pathan has picked his Top three and all three of them have score hundred’s in the ongoing IPL, Rohit Sharma score against Chennai Super Kings, Virat Kohli score against Rajasthan Royals and Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored against Mumbai Indians.
Virat Kohli is leading the race for Orange Cap
Virat Kohli has been opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore this season and has made a huge statement by being the top contender to win the Orange Cap this season. He is the only batsman who is continuously scoring runs for his franchise and giving them the start they want at the top of the order,
Although he has been batting at the top order for RCB, batting at number three is something that comes natural to him as he has batted in that position for India for a very long period. Off late Virat Kohli’s batting against spin has been impressive scoring with a decent rate in the middle overs where he was criticized before.
Virat Kohli has currently scored 379 runs in eight innings with a strike rate of 150.40 with one hundred and two fifties.
Also Read : https://goworldwide.co.in/ipl-2024-kuldeep-yadav-expresses-regret/