Rohit & Jaiswal: India's Fresh Opening Duos in T20I's

India head coach Rahul Dravid has ensured that Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal remain at the top of the order ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup later this year. Dravid emphasized the importance of the opening pair of left and right in the shortest format of the match.

After a gap of 14 months, Rohit has returned to India's T20 event for the series against Afghanistan starting here on Thursday. His last appearance was in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final against England in Adelaide. Jaiswal has been opening in the most limited format since away the series against West Indies in August last year.

"Happy with what Jaiswal has done for us"

As of now, we will be opening with Rohit and Jaiswal. When you have a squad that offers flexibility, we can take a call that is in the best interest of the team
~Dravid said on the eve of the match.

We are certainly happy with what Jaiswal has done for us as an opener. It also gives us the left-right combination at the top
~Dravid.

However, the question remains how to fill the void of Shubman Gill, who either opens or comes one down in the T20Is? This is in conjunction with Virat Kohli's return to T20Is as well, along with Rohit. Vintage Kohli has been named in the squad for the series against Afghanistan, however, he will be accessible from the second T20I.

Nothing is closed: Dravid

All in all, how is everything turning out to fit Kohli in the eleven? Is it sensible to pair Rohit with Kohli at the top? Dravid didn't ignore that chance completely.

Nothing is closed (Kohli opening with Rohit). We do not doubt that with the kind of ability and skill sets players like Rohit and Kohli possess, they will be able to find answers against different kinds of bowling
~Dravid

The former Indian captain said the selection process is not only driven by the desire to display a left-right combination but also by the player's ability to overcome any situation.

Impressive Rinku -

We still have left-handers in the line-up. But it is not only about left-handers but it is their ability to play through a period and to be able to tackle different kinds of spin that there is.

Players like Rinku, Jaiswal, and Tilak have come in as well, which adds a nice string to the bow. But in the end, we make the selection based on performance, not just on the left-hand or right-hand batsman
~Dravid insisted

He heartfully praised Rinku and applauded him for performing in under high-pressure conditions and mostly taking the teams out of the difficulties.

He has been performing well in the role of a finisher. This series (against Afghanistan) is another opportunity for him to develop himself as a cricketer further. Whatever opportunity he gets here or in the IPL, it will be good for his development. Whenever a player does well, he always remains in the thoughts of the selector
~he said