T20 World Cup 2024: India making huge mistake by opening with Virat Kohli, says former Pakistan star

Despite his failure in India's campaign opener in the ongoing T20 World Cup against Ireland, the Men in Blue are going to stick with star batsman Virat Kohli as an opener.

India is most likely to open with Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma instead of picking designated opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The openers will be followed by Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav at Nos. 3 and 4 respectively against arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday. 

However, in response, former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal said it is a big mistake to open with Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup. 

"I don't think the batting order is correct. Virat Kohli can take the pressure at No.3 and finish the match. That is very important for Team India. Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the batting. Kohli should come at 3. If India stick to this batting order (of Kohli) opening, then they may get stuck at some point. Kohli holds one end up and finishes off the game. I think India are making a mistake by opening with Kohli," said Akmal on his official YouTube channel.

Notably, Kohli has been a designated opener for his IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, for the last few seasons. His performance in the recently concluded 17th edition of the cash-rich league was superb.

Based on his brilliant performances in IPL 2024, the Indian team management has decided to use Kohli as an opener in the ongoing marquee event.