India's ICC T20 World Cup 2024 batting campaign started with a major change in the batting line-up, which was earlier anticipated. While Yashasvi Jaiswal got a place in the side, cricket experts claimed that this year Virat Kohli should open alongside Rohit Sharma considering his form and records. Surprisingly, India went with Kohli as an opener in the first game of the campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York.
However, it wasn't his day, as he got out after scoring just one run. Mark Adair's disciplined bowling helped him clinch Kohli's wicket in the third over, which was quite unexpected considering how the right-handed batter started his innings. He was dismissed after playing just five balls, which is not good news for the team or the viewers.
However, knowing Kohli for years now, this isn't a sign of pressure for the team since he knows his way out and will manage to knock the bowlers out of the park in the upcoming games. He also has a great record in the T20 World Cups and will look to keep up his form. Moreover, while chasing a score of 97 runs, India won the game by eight wickets. It took 12.2 overs to complete the chase, which speaks a lot about the pitch and the outfield of New York.
'I don't know what to expect from the pitch, to be honest' - Skipper Rohit Sharma on the pitch
After a comfortable win against Ireland, captain Rohit Sharma talked about the nature of the pitch. He mentioned the fact that they aren't aware of how the pitch will react as it's five months old. However, the team is trying to analyze it as much as possible.
"Quite unsure of what to expect from the pitch and not aware of what it is to play like on a pitch that's five months old. I don't think the wicket settled down even when we batted second. I don't know what to expect from the pitch, to be honest."
He is not suitable fore open Bettsman
— Saif (@Im_Saifkhan) June 5, 2024
Now Virat's fans will abuse the bowler on Instagram
— Moonlight🌙 (@Kairavii_Rajput) June 5, 2024
First time he got out in single digit score while chasing in T20wc
— sujay anand (@imsujayanand) June 5, 2024
Rare Failure
— Cheems Bond 𝕏 (Parody) (@Cheems_Bond_007) June 5, 2024
King only likes to score against Top teams 👍
He is a Big match player, not a Minnow basher like Rohit Sharma.
— ً (@KohliMyHeart) June 5, 2024
VERY RARE MOMENT IN CRICKET HISTORY
— Dard_e_Dil🕊 (@dard_aai_dil) June 5, 2024
With Kohli opening the innings, Pakistan has a real chance to beat India.
— Waqar Ahmed Afridi (@RealWaqarAfridi) June 5, 2024
It's hard to get him out when he bats at 3 because he knows his role there. Pressure of attacking in power play with the new ball will probably make him lose his wicket.