'Not answering that' - Sanjay Manjrekar on being asked to pick India's top-three for T20 WC

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shared his thoughts on India’s top-order for the upcoming 2022 T20 World Cup in October. He stated that it is not possible to pick India’s top three with so many options available. Both Virat Kohli and KL Rahul have missed considerable matches in the last two months, which led the Indian management to test other options.

Rohit Sharma is a sure pick to open the innings for India and either Rahul or Kohli will partner him. Both Rahul and Kohli have a proven record to play in the top and middle order, but In their absence, the Indian management went on to try the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant to open the innings with Rohit.

Suryakumar proved his versatility while opening the innings on the recently concluded T20I series against West Indies and Pant failed to make a similar impact. Manjrekar believes that both Rahul and Kohli should be part of the starting XI in big tournaments but said it is tough to pick India’s top-three players for T20 World Cup.

“Not answering that. It’s a tough one, really tough because there are some serious contenders there. That’s why these matches before the T20 World Cup are so important. KL Rahul has to be part of the T20 team. So has to be Virat Kohli just because of the stage and the pressure that comes in. It’s going to be a tough one. We have seen Suryakumar Yadav bat in the top three, we have seen Rishabh Pant bat in the top three. These are all very exciting options, so let’s see how it goes,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Sports 18 show.

I love the idea of Rishabh Pant opening with Rohit Sharma: Sanjay Manjrekar

Indian management surprised everyone by playing Pant as an opener in the last two T20I matches against England last month. But the wicketkeeper batter failed to score big, with just 27 runs in two matches. But Majrekar backed the Pant to open with Rohit.

“I love that idea of Rishabh Pant opening with Rohit Sharma. So that is something I am excited about, the possibility is there. It’s such a difficult one. You have got Virat Kohli, you have got KL Rahul, you have got Suryakumar Yadav and I think these are the three serious contenders. I am stumped.”