RCB director of cricket Mike Hesson reveals that Virat Kohli took the decision of playing as opener for RCB earlier the IPL 2021 auction.
Virat Kohli set to play as Opener in IPL 2021
But Virat Kohli officially reveals that he would play as the opener for RCB in IPL 2021 post his impressive performance in the 5th T20I vs England. Opening the 5th T20I along with Rohit Sharma the duo made an opening partnership of 94 runs where Kohli remains unbeaten while scoring 80 runs.
Hesson said that Kohli will open the innings alongside young Devdutt Paddikall who impressed many in the last edition of IPL in the UAE.
“Certainly, we talked about it before the auction because that came in our auction planning in terms of how we wanted to structure our lineup, so certainly no surprise there. delighted that he got an opportunity for India to open the other day and show everybody exactly what he’s capable of. We certainly know that but just another reminder for everybody,” Hesson said on ‘Bold Diaries’.
“So yeah, really looking forward to Virat opening the batting with Devdutt. You know, left-right combination, different types of players and obviously we know Virat’s record after he gets through the powerplay, he’s phenomenal. So especially if he bats at the top, it’s a slightly different structure and as I said, that helped determine our auction planning as well,” Hesson informed.
Kohli has an astonishing record while opening the innings in the IPL as he scored 2345 runs at an average of 46.90. All of his five centuries in IPL came as an opening batsman.
Earlier, after the series decider against England, Kohli announced that he will open the innings in IPL.
“I am going to open in the IPL as well. Have batted in different positions in the past. But I feel we have a solid middle-order now. Will definitely like to partner Rohit at the top,” Kohli said at the presentation.
