NEW DELHI: In the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas next month, former all-rounder Ajay Jadeja feels that India captain Rohit Sharma need to push himself to the number three spot and elevate Virat Kohli to the opening slot.
India will play their opening match against Ireland on June 5 after announcing their squad of 15 players for the prestigious competition earlier this week.
"For me, Virat Kohli opens. Who goes back? Rohit Sharma bats at three. He gets a little cushion and gets to understand the game, he has so much going on, in his mind as a captain," Jadeja told Jio Cinema.
"If you have Virat in your side, you know consistency is the one thing you will get, so, might as well use him. He's best at the top and the powerplay allows him to settle in," he added.
Jadeja supported the inclusion of a currently off-colour Hardik Pandya in the team, calling him special.
"The spotlight is on him for obvious reasons. He's a special player, a rare commodity you find in our country where somebody bowls seam-up and can make it to the side with his batting," he said referring to the furore caused by his elevation to Mumbai Indians captaincy replacing Rohit.
Currently having a bad season in the IPL, Pandya will be Rohit's deputy at the T20 World Cup.
"The selection has not been on form, there's no doubt about it. It depends on how you want to play. It's one of the things I look at this team and think they don't have many options.
"You have established players in the side, everybody is so solid with the numbers that they play at, and what stage they play. It will all depend on what Rohit thinks," Jadeja said.
(With PTI inputs)
