India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign began with a strategic move as Captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bowl first against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The dynamic duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opened the batting for India, a combination that promised excitement and power.

Team Selection and Key Players

India, having won all previous seven T20I games against Ireland, entered the match with confidence. The team featured four fast-bowling options, including vice-captain Hardik Pandya. Spin responsibilities were handed to left-armers Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving no room for wrist-spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal.

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Notably, wicket keeper-batter Rishabh Pant, returning to international cricket after 17 months due to injuries from a car accident, was slotted at number three. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Pandya followed in the batting order.

Kohli’s Return as Opener

Virat Kohli’s return as an opener meant left-handed Yashasvi Jaiswal was left out, while Shivam Dube secured a middle-order spot.

Kohli last opened in T20I during the 2022 Asia Cup against Afghanistan, where he scored an unbeaten 122, ending a three-year century drought. Kohli and Rohit’s last opening partnership in T20I was a 94-run stand against England in 2021, leading to a massive 224/2 total for India.

The last time Kohli and Rohit opened the batting for India in a T20I, the duo struck a 94-run partnership in just nine overs against England back in 2021. India scored a mammoth 224 for two in 20 overs in that game and beat England by 36 runs.

The former India skipper had a good outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season while opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He scored 741 runs at an impressive strike rate of 154.69 while smashing one hundred and five fifties.

Pitch Conditions and Bowling Performance

The pitch, already scrutinized after the South Africa-Sri Lanka game, favoured fast bowlers. India capitalized on these conditions effectively. Arshdeep Singh struck twice in his second over, reducing Ireland to 50/8 with the help of fellow pacers.

Despite a brief resistance from Gareth Delany and Joshua Little, who added 27 runs for the ninth wicket, Ireland was bowled out for 96. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel wrapped up the innings efficiently.

India’s Chase

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli open India’s chase, with Mark Adair bowling the first over. However, Kohli’s stay was short-lived. Attempting to clear the in-field, he was caught by a third-man, scoring just 1 run off 5 balls.

Fan Reactions

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are opening together in the World Cup.

Cherish these moments as these two will be gone very soon. #INDvsIRE pic.twitter.com/VF8Ho0WL0j

— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) June 5, 2024

Last time when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opened together for Team India 🇮🇳❤ pic.twitter.com/LAJWLhID8m

— Utsav 💔 (@utsav__45) June 5, 2024

BIG ALERT 🚨.

ROHIT SHARMA AND VIRAT KOHLI WILL OPEN TOGETHER JUST FOR 2ND TIME IN THE T20 HISTORY. pic.twitter.com/P8Q6u8UgKC

— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) June 5, 2024

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli introduced as openers in T20? 😂 This plan of Indian Cricket Team looks very much inspired by the T20 opening pair of Babar Azam and Rizwan! #T20WorldCup

— Arfa Feroz Zake (@ArfaSays_) June 5, 2024

Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opening today for the first match of T20 world cup 🫡🔥

Men in blue are back 💞
All the very best to Team India this tym cup should be ours🤞#INDvsIRE #T20IWorldCup2024🤩😍🤩😍 pic.twitter.com/ZJmmR4dDUK

— Govind Choudhary (@GovindC92391239) June 5, 2024

Upcoming Milestones for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/k61Qa9ttu8

— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) June 5, 2024