"I won't be able to put Rohit and Virat's name on that list" - Aakash Chopra on the most explosive opening pair in the 2024 T20 World Cup
Aakash Chopra has noted that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli cannot be included among the most explosive opening pairs in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He chose Phil Salt and Jos Buttler as the most destructive opening pair in the ongoing edition.
Rohit has aggregated 76 runs at a strike rate of 111.76 in four innings in the ongoing T20 World Cup in the United States of America and the West Indies. Kohli has managed a paltry 29 runs at a strike rate of 87.87 in his four knocks.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked to pick the most explosive opening pair in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He ruled out the possibility of Rohit and Kohli being part of the contenders, elaborating (5:00):
"Unfortunately, I won't be able to put Rohit and Virat's name on that list because they are not even consistent as of now, and secondly, they are definitely not explosive if you see it from that perspective. Both have the ability - yes, but are they currently - no."
The former India batter picked Salt and Buttler ahead of David Warner and Travis Head for the accolade.
"So from a very unbiased point of view, I feel they are not on this list. So Phil Salt with Jos Buttler, and David Warner with Travis Head will remain. It's an incredibly close fight. I am actually going with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, although Travis Head and David Warner are equally dangerous," Chopra said.
Salt has smashed 158 runs at a strike rate of 177.52 in five innings in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Buttler has been less destructive, amassing 108 runs at a strike rate of 131.70 in his five hits.
"I still remember the amazing knock Phil Salt played against the West Indies" - Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra was particularly appreciative of Phil Salt's destructive knock against the West Indies.
"There are two left-handers on one side and two right-handers on the other. I still remember the amazing knock Phil Salt played against the West Indies, although Travis Head also destroyed Bangladesh recently. Both (pairs) are in good form and are playing well," he observed (5:30).
The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out India could be up against both opening pairs in their next few games.
"Both are good opening partnerships and both at some stage will play against us for sure. The Australian ones will be seen playing on the 24th and maybe the England ones in the semi-final on the 27th, but I feel Jos Buttler-Phil Salt. I am going with them," Chopra stated.
Salt has scored quicker than both Aussie openers, with Jos Buttler being the slowest among the four. While Travis Head has smashed 179 runs at a strike rate of 155.65 in five innings, David Warner's 169 runs in five knocks have come at a slightly lower strike rate of 148.24.