In the recent-concluded three-match series against Sri Lanka, which was reduced to two after Guwahati T20I was called off due to rain, both the Indian openers, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul, made sure runs came thick and fast in the remaining games.
Dhawan and Rahul signed off by smashing crucial half-centuries as India clinched the series 2-0 in Pune.
FIFTY!
That's a fine fine knock by @SDhawan25 as he brings up his 10th T20I half-century off 34 deliveries 👏👏#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/rcVWQmAL7w
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2020
FIFTY!
@klrahul11's on song as he brings up his 9th T20I half-century off 34 deliveries here in Pune.#INDvSL pic.twitter.com/yPWeStSqi4
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 10, 2020
Virat Kohli, who had the best seat in the dressing room to analyze the performances of the two premier batsmen, remained focused on the bigger picture and simply yielded when he was given a chance to intensify Dhawan versus Rahul debate.
Rahul finished the Sri Lanka series as the highest run-scorer (99), followed by Dhawan, who clubbed 84 in the same number of games (2).
‘Stop pitting players against each other’
“All three openers are pretty strong players, and it’s great to have players playing well in the team. It gives you options. But I think people need to stop pitting players against each other. It’s all about a team game. I don’t endorse this idea of putting people in the team against each other,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony in Pune.
Kohli was very happy to see his side starting the year 2020 with a comprehensive series win. “We have started on the right track, chasing (in) one game and setting one game. Two very clinical performances, so I am very happy. Just the confidence of getting that 200 mark every now and then will put us in a good stead,” the skipper added.
Team India begins new year with a T20I series win #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/i6pLIKXRiI
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 11, 2020