On Wednesday, Rohit Sharma injured his thumb while fielding against Bangladesh. He was immediately taken to the hospital for the scans. While KL Rahul stepped in as the skipper, it was interesting to see who would open the innings. Virat Kohli took up the role. It was way back in 2014 that Virat last opened in ODIs. It was a game against New Zealand in Hamilton. India lost that encounter. On that note, here, we take a look at the playing XI of Team India when Virat Kohli last opened in ODIs.
Virat Kohli opening for India after 8 long years in ODI.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 7, 2022
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rohit Sharma was the other opener in the playing XI of Team India when Virat Kohli last opened in ODIs. The current Indian skipper, in that encounter, scored 79 runs and helped India set up a good platform. However, Virat had a forgettable outing in that game and also in the encounter against Bangladesh.
Middle-Order: Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni (C&WK)
While Ambati Rayudu scored 37 runs in that game, MS Dhoni made 79 runs. Otherwise, the middle order did not have a great outing. Rahane was recently released by Kolkata Knight Riders but he is playing in domestic cricket. MS Dhoni and Rayudu are still playing for CSK in IPL.
All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Stuart Binny and R Ashwin
India had Jadeja, Ashwin and Binny as the all-rounders in the playing XI of Team India when Virat Kohli last opened in ODIs. Jadeja and Ashwin are still an active part of the Indian Team. Binny has retired from the game and does coaching assignments now.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Varun Aaron and Mohammed Shami
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shami are still a part of the Indian setup. Varun Aaron recently moved to Baroda to explore opportunities in domestic cricket. However, he was not able to leave an impact. He would now focus on doing well in domestic cricket in Ranji Trophy to try and force a comeback.
