“If I were in the team, I would not have Kohli open the batting," Sehwag

Virender Sehwag believes that Virat Kohli should not open the batting for Team India at the World Cup. He believes that Kohli's best batting position is at number three, as he can steady the innings after a poor start. He believes that Yashaswi Jaiswal should partner Rohit Sharma up top as they have done in the recent past. The duo have developed a good understanding and a left right combination at the top of the order is always beneficial.

“If I were in the team, I would not have Kohli open the batting. Instead, he would be sent at number 3, with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening. Managing the middle overs would be his responsibility – he is aware that if there is an early wicket, he can steady the innings during the powerplay. However, if a wicket falls late, the captain and coach must instruct him to maintain momentum. A player has to fulfill these responsibilities,” he said on. Cricbuzz.

Though Sachin Tendulkar preferred opening, he moved down the order to bat at number four in the 2007 World Cup. He had to do it for the team and carried the momentum set by the openers. Even the best players must be flexible – if your team already has two capable openers, being asked to bat at three is a role you have to embrace. Virat Kohli understands what’s best for the team,” he added