T20 Match Today, IND vs IRE: No Yashashvi, Kohli to open with Rohit Sharma and SKY at number 3 in Uthappa's 11

Who will open with Rohit Sharma? Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli

After India's dominant performance against Bangladesh in a lone warm-up match, Indian captain Rohit Sharma delivered a candid assessment. The seasoned opener conceded that under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, India's batting lineup for the ICC T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies, is yet to be finalized. Rohit partnered with aggressive batsman Sanju Samson in the warm-up fixture against Bangladesh.

Highlighting India's convincing victory over Bangladesh, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant led the charge for the Men in Blue in New York. With Virat Kohli rested for the practice match, Pant was elevated to the No.3 position, where he smashed 53 runs off 32 deliveries, while Samson fell early, managing just one run off six balls. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was left out of the warm-up game ahead of India's World Cup opener against Ireland.

In a discussion with seasoned all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, former India batsman Robin Uthappa suggested that India should promote Suryakumar Yadav at the T20 World Cup, advocating for him to bat at No.3. Uthappa also supported the idea of Kohli opening the innings with skipper Rohit. He emphasized that India doesn't necessarily require a left-handed batsman at the top.

"I believe No. 4 is too low for SKY. He should face as many deliveries as possible. Therefore, my top three would be Rohit, Virat, and SKY. I believe Rohit and Virat should lead the charge. I don't think we need a left-hander at the top because of the experience, class, quality, and potential that these two possess. With sufficient batting depth, their partnership could be formidable," Uthappa expressed to Ashwin.

The prolific run-scorer Kohli has joined the Indian squad following an exceptional season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, where he clinched the coveted Orange Cap by amassing 741 runs in 15 matches. Jaiswal, the opener, concluded the same tournament with 435 runs in 16 games. Team India is anticipated to sacrifice Jaiswal to ensure Kohli and Rohit open the innings against Ireland in their World Cup opener at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.