Former cricketer Irfan Pathan has named his preferred top three batsmen for the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, which starts on June 1 in the US and the West Indies. On his X handle, Pathan supported Rohit Sharma as captain and opener, paired with Yashasvi Jaiswal, and chose Virat Kohli for the crucial number three position.
Pathan tweeted, “Now that World Cup is nearing. My top 3 for team India. 1) Rohit Sharma (in form as well as captain) 2) Yashasvi Jaiswal (been saying that he should be there even before his 100 purely cos he was performing well for team India before the IPL) 3) Virat Kohli. (Shouldn’t be any question regarding his place or strike rate. His strike rate at the T20I is 138 + Better than Chris Gayle+ 51 avg. N his IPL strike rate this season is 150).”
He highlighted Kohli’s impressive performance in the ongoing IPL, noting his strike rate of 150.39, which surpasses the career IPL strike rate of the legendary Chris Gayle. Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s struggles this season, Kohli has excelled, amassing 379 runs at an average of 63.17, with his highest being an unbeaten 113. However, his century came in a losing effort against Rajasthan Royals.
Rohit Sharma has been consistently hitting over 40 runs for Mumbai Indians and is the fifth highest run-scorer in the current IPL season, with 303 runs at an average of 43.29 and a top score of 105* against Chennai Super Kings.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, after a slow start with only 121 runs in seven matches at an average of 17.28, recently found form with a powerful 104 not out against Mumbai Indians, significantly boosting his strike rate for the season to 32.14.
India is set to begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.
