Rohit, Jaiswal likely to open for India at T20 World Cup

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were the preferred choice of Indian openers for former India pacer Irfan Pathan and ex-Australia Tom Moody for the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies.

The experts were analysing India's squad selection for the event at the 'Star Sports Press Room' Special Edition event.

"Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma are my openers. Jaiswal's international strike Rate is 160. Virat Kohli bats at No 3 the way I see it,'' he added.

Pathan also felt that taking the 2007 World Cup as a template may not be a good idea as contrary to popular belief, that team had experience and

He (Kohli) can up his ante. Virat can play with a terrific strike rate. We need Virat Kohli to win the championship for sure,''

– K Srikkanth, Ex-chairman of selectors

was not necessarily a young team.

"T20 WC 2007 was not a young team. 90 percent of the team had 3,4, 5 years of experience. Age-wise we were young but we had the experience. Now both batsmen have to go bang, bang. Selectors have to be wary of because the WC is in West Indies. Don't just go with youngsters because it worked in 2007.”

Moody was of the opinion that India have huge resources in the spin and batting departments.

"The resources are endless. Spin, middle and top order batting resources are incredible.

You need left-right hand combination. Openers will be Rohit and Jaiswal. Kohli will be the No 3,'' said Moody.

The 1983 World Cup winner Krishnamachari Srikkanth had a different point of view though as he felt Virat Kohli should open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma.

"Kohli and Rohit will open. Sometimes you have to take hard calls. Jaiswal is a very good player. For me, it will be Rohit and Virat. A World Cup is a World Cup. Whether they can win matches at international level and World Cups is what ultimately matters,'' he added.

The 2003 and 2007 Australian World Cup winner

Matthew Hayden felt India should pick a squad that can win the title and not just on reputation.

"Pick the guys who can win World Cups. Kohli is the primary discussion and it will be about whether can he win the WC. Challenge will be experience vs young impetus. Four games in the US. It's unknown conditions. Outside the first six overs, when pace comes off the ball. That will be the challenge for Kohli."

Hayden also had his say on Abhishek Sharma.

"Abhishek Sharma's currency is very high. I would not take him to WC. He will play World Cups for India in the future."

The former Australian opener also felt that Jaiswal will get the nod ahead of Kishan given his proven track record. "Ishan Kishan is an exciting player. However, Jaiswal has a proven track record and the WC is another step in his journey."

Meanwhile, Srikkanth backed Kohli to make it to the squad based on his experience, track record and ability.

"He can up his ante. Virat can play with a terrific strike rate. We need Virat Kohli to win championship for sure,'' he said.

Srikanth backed Dube's inclusion in the team stating Dube can bowl as well and thereby lend the much needed balance to the team.

"My nos 3, 4 and 5 would be Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and KL Rahul / Sanju Samson."