Laxman backs Rahul as Rohit’s opening partner for England T20I series

After a fruitful campaign in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, left-hand opener Shikhar Dhawan is back in the national side for the upcoming five-match T20I rubber between India and England, starting March 12 in Motera.

With three specialist openers — KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Dhawan in the squad, former India batsman VVS Laxman has backed Rahul to open the Indian innings with Rohit.

Speaking on Star Sports show CRICKET CONNECTED, Laxman said: “It will be a tough question, as far as the selection of the second opener is concerned. There’s no doubt about that because Rohit Sharma is an automatic choice in white ball cricket. I will still go with KL Rahul, because over the last few months and years I think the Indian team management went with KL Rahul as an opening batsman and he has done really well in that position.”

“Yes, Shikhar Dhawan had a fantastic IPL, the way he batted top of the order, scoring centuries for Delhi capitals and then he’s in tremendous form for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare, where he scored a big 100 in that tournament as well. With KL Rahul as an opening combination you want someone who’s second,” he added.

Laxman also said that as the T20 World Cup is now just few months away, the team management should identify their openers and should avoid experiments with them.

“Keeping in mind the T20 World Cup, you have to identify who your openers are going to be there in the World Cup and back them; don’t chop and change. You have someone as experienced as Shikhar Dhawan, who can be the backup opener in case one of these openers Rohit Sharma/ KL Rahul gets injured or lose their form,” he expressed.

News Desk

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