Former Team India pacer RP Singh has suggested a batting order change for the 2024 T20 World Cup, advocating for senior batter Virat Kohli to open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. RP Singh emphasised the importance of having the in-form Kohli at the top of the order over Yashasvi Jaiswal.
RP Singh, or Rudra Pratap Singh, was a left-arm fast-medium bowler who carved a niche for himself in Indian cricket. While his career wasn’t a marathon of consistent brilliance, it had its fair share of highlights, particularly in the shorter formats of the game. Singh’s cricketing journey began in Uttar Pradesh. His talent was evident early on, and he truly grabbed eyeballs at the 2004 ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup. Singh’s left-arm swing bowling was a nightmare for batsmen, as he picked up eight wickets at a phenomenal average. His ability to swing the ball both ways and bowl economically, especially at the death overs, marked him as a prospect to watch.
What RP Singh Said
During a conversation with IndiaToday.in, former cricketer RP Singh suggested that both keeper-batters Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant could feature in India’s playing XI at the showpiece event, proposing that Samson bat at No. 3.
He said,
“If you ask me, then I would want Virat Kohli to open with Rohit Sharma. Sanju Samson should bat at No. 3. 100 percent. They both can play as in the XI. You can play Suryakumar Yadav at 4, Rishabh Pant at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya at No. 6. It depends on the team combination also. The captain and coach should take the coach. We need such a line-up.”
Singh also expressed support for all-rounder Hardik Pandya, despite his underwhelming performance as the MI skipper in IPL 2024, believing he can bounce back during the T20 World Cup. Stressing Pandya’s importance for the team’s balance, he highlighted his potential impact. He said,
“What is important as a player? Your commitment and your performances. He tried his best even in the IPL. He was bowling four overs. That’s very important. Hardik Pandya’s performance will be crucial especially when it comes to the balance of the team. If he is finds good form early, it will help the team.”
Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team has commenced their practice sessions in New York in preparation for the ICC event. Their sole warm-up match before the tournament will be against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 1.
RP Singh on Virat’s Contribution In Big Matches
RP Singh also reflected on Team India’s impressive performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they entered the final with a remarkable 10-match winning streak. Despite their strong form, they endured a devastating six-wicket loss to Australia in the summit clash. Singh, aged 38, expressed his belief that this defeat will serve as motivation for Indian players. Additionally, he showered praise on Virat Kohli, highlighting the batter’s consistent ability to deliver on the grand stage.
He said,
“100 percent it will motivate them, they played superbly throughout the tournament. In the end, they lost just one match. Even in the IPL, their performances have been good. Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap. They are impact players. When it comes to big matches, Virat Kohli has always stepped up. So they will do well in the big tournament.”
Kohli showcased stellar form in the recently concluded IPL 2024, clinching the Orange Cap with an impressive tally of 741 runs from 15 innings at a strike rate of 154.69. India’s journey in the 2024 T20 World Cup will commence with a match against Ireland on June 5 in New York.
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