IPL 2021: Mike Hesson reveals why Virat Kohli will open the innings for RCB

Where will Virat Kohli bat in the IPL? Will he open the innings? This set of questions often do the rounds across social media platforms. However, After the fifth T20I against England, Virat Kohli revealed that he would be opening the innings for RCB in the upcoming edition of the IPL. 

The India skipper, who is well accustomed to batting at No.3 in T20 internationals, decided to open with Rohit Sharma in the 5th T20I. The move paid dividends as the 94-run partnership between the two stalwarts - Rohit and Virat - helped India post a formidable total of 224-2. In addition to that, the skipper carried his bat through the innings, scoring an unbeaten 80 runs off 52 balls. 

Mike Hesson, on Bold Diaries, explained the rationale behind the move. He said that the decision on Virat Kohli opening the innings was made prior to the IPL auction in February. 

“Certainly, we talked about it before the auction because that came in our auction planning in terms of how we wanted to structure our lineup, so certainly no surprise there. delighted that he got an opportunity for India to open the other day and show everybody exactly what he's capable of. We certainly know that but just another reminder for everybody. “ - RCB's Director of Cricket Operations said. 

The skipper is definitely not new to the role of opening the innings in IPL. In 61 innings he has opened thus far, he has accumulated 2345 runs at an average of 47.86. Interestingly, he has a better strike rate while opening, compared to other batting positions. 

“So yeah, really looking forward to Virat opening the batting with Devdutt. You know, left-right combination, different types of players and obviously we know Virat's record after he gets through the powerplay, he's phenomenal. So especially if he bats at the top, it's a slightly different structure and as I said, that helped determine our auction planning as well.” - Hesson added.

There seems to be another speculation regarding RCB’s wicketkeeping option. Unlike the previous season, RCB has got ample wicketkeeping options to choose from. When asked about who will potentially don the keeping gloves for RCB, Hesson said: “We were delighted for the fact that he (AB de Villiers) loved it, embraced it and wanted to continue doing it. Look, he is a real option. But we have a couple of options more in the squad, which is great. Mohammed Azharuddeen is a real natural athlete whether he is with the gloves or on the field. We have also got KS Bharat, who is a specialist keeper. We are not gonna make that commitment to you guys in terms of who’s gonna do what but we are really pleased with the options we have got and AB is certainly one of those," Hesson concluded.