IPL 2020 is just a week away as the cricket world prepares to witness a unique edition of the Indian Premier League. For the first time in over a decade, a foreign country will host the entire IPL season. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, BCCI had to shift the tournament out of India, and UAE secured the event&#8217;s hosting rights.

The auction for this year&#8217;s IPL had happened way back in December, and all teams have almost every player available for this season. All the squads are equally balanced, especially in terms of batting. Some franchises have stacked up their batting department with three-five opening options available. The batsmen have become quite flexible in the T20 format.

Since only two batsmen can open the innings, here are the five regular IPL openers who might be demoted to the middle-order in the 13th season of the IPL.

1. Rohit Sharma &#8211; Mumbai Indians

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

The captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, regularly opens the innings for the Indian cricket team, and he also started to open the innings for Mumbai in the IPL. Sharma has achieved most of his success in the IPL, batting in the middle order. Mumbai needs some stability in its middle-order this year.

With the team management having Chris Lynn, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, and Aditya Tare available, the Mumbai skipper would prefer to bat in the middle order. The defending champions could also use Ishan Kishan as an opener if they want a blistering start in the powerplay overs.

Talking about The Hitman&#8217;s performance in the middle order, Rohit has batted at number four 86 times in the IPL. He has amassed 2,392 runs at an average of 32.77 at that position. Besides, his only IPL hundred has come while batting at number 3.

2. Robin Uthappa &#8211; Rajasthan Royals

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246151" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246151" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

Robin Uthappa played a vital role in Kolkata Knight Riders&#8217; IPL 2014 win. He was the Orange Cap winner in that season. It is noteworthy that KKR played five matches of that season in the UAE, and Uthappa performed decently in the spin-friendly conditions.

Unfortunately, because of a below-par performance in IPL 2019, Robin lost his place in the Kolkata-based team. The team management released him ahead of IPL 2020. Rajasthan Royals have signed him, but it is unlikely that he will get a chance to open the innings.

Royals have some brilliant opening options available in their squad. India U19 star Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open the innings with Jos Buttler for Rajasthan. Besides, they also have the options of Sanju Samson and Manan Vohra. Hence, Uthappa will be given the responsibility to bat in the middle order.

3. Ajinkya Rahane &#8211; Delhi Capitals

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351258" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_361608.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane RR IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351258" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Ajinkya Rahane had become an indispensable part of the Rajasthan Royals in the previous decade. He was the captain of Rajasthan in IPL 2019. However, the team management sacked him as the skipper in the middle of the competition and handed over the team&#8217;s reins to Australian batsman Steve Smith.

Subsequently, Rajasthan also traded out Rahane to Delhi Capitals. It was a surprising decision from Delhi to sign Rahane because they already had three fantastic T20 openers in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shreyas-iyer-will-lead-delhi-capitals-in-the-right-way-during-ipl-2020-shikhar-dhawan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, Prithvi Shaw, and Jason Roy. While Roy is unavailable for IPL 2020, it is still highly unlikely that Shaw or Dhawan will bat in the middle order.

The right hand-left hand combination achieved much success opening together in the IPL last year. Rahane will most probably bat at number 3 for Delhi Capitals ahead of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Shimron Hetmyer. The Indian Test team&#8217;s vice-captain has batted at number three 13 times in IPL, managing 229 runs at an average of 19.08.

4. Mayank Agarwal &#8211; Kings XI Punjab

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330900" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

With some solid performances against South Africa at home, Mayank Agarwal became India&#8217;s first-choice opener in Tests. He also opened the innings for the Men in Blue in the ODI series against New Zealand. However, his fans will probably see him in Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s middle-order during IPL 2020.

Agarwal had had memorable partnerships with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-had-enough-now-chris-gayle-threatens-to-block-yuzvendra-chahals-instagram-account/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Gayle</a> while opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. Since Punjab has the option of KL Rahul, Agarwal may not get an opportunity to open the innings. He has batted at number 3 in 23 IPL innings so far.

The right-handed batsman has managed to score 490 runs at an average of 22.27. It is noteworthy that his strike rate at number 3 has been much better than the opening position. Hence, Punjab will look to make the best use of his talent.

5. Tom Banton &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-440528" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-440528" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

England&#8217;s upcoming wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton grabbed everyone&#8217;s attention with his incredible performance in the T20 Blast last year. He has become a member of England&#8217;s T20I team. Recently, he destroyed the Pakistani bowling attack while opening the innings for the English T20I side.

Kolkata Knight Riders managed to sign him at his base price in the auction. However, Banton may not open the innings for the two-time IPL winners. The team management may go with the pair of Sunil Narine and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-want-to-see-shubman-gill-open-the-batting-for-kkr-dean-jones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shubman Gill</a>.

Narine has been an excellent opener in the T20s, while Gill has the talent to make it big this season. Even Nitish Rana is available as a back-up option. Besides, Kolkata signed Rahul Tripathi in the auction, so Banton might not open the innings in IPL 2020.

IPL 2020 is just a week away as the cricket world prepares to witness a unique edition of the Indian Premier League. For the first time in over a decade, a foreign country will host the entire IPL season. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, BCCI had to shift the tournament out of India, and UAE secured the event’s hosting rights.&nbsp;
The auction for this year’s IPL had happened way back in December, and all teams have almost every player available for this season. All the squads are equally balanced, especially in terms of batting. Some franchises have stacked up their batting department with three-five opening options available. The batsmen have become quite flexible in the T20 format.&nbsp;
Since only two batsmen can open the innings, here are the five regular IPL openers who might be demoted to the middle-order in the 13th season of the IPL.&nbsp;
<h3>1. Rohit Sharma – Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, regularly opens the innings for the Indian cricket team, and he also started to open the innings for Mumbai in the IPL. Sharma has achieved most of his success in the IPL, batting in the middle order. Mumbai needs some stability in its middle-order this year.&nbsp;
With the team management having Chris Lynn, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, and Aditya Tare available, the Mumbai skipper would prefer to bat in the middle order. The defending champions could also use Ishan Kishan as an opener if they want a blistering start in the powerplay overs.&nbsp;
Talking about The Hitman’s performance in the middle order, Rohit has batted at number four 86 times in the IPL. He has amassed 2,392 runs at an average of 32.77 at that position. Besides, his only IPL hundred has come while batting at number 3.&nbsp;
<h3>2. Robin Uthappa – Rajasthan Royals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246151" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246151" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-246151" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246151" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Robin Uthappa played a vital role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2014 win. He was the Orange Cap winner in that season. It is noteworthy that KKR played five matches of that season in the UAE, and Uthappa performed decently in the spin-friendly conditions.&nbsp;
Unfortunately, because of a below-par performance in IPL 2019, Robin lost his place in the Kolkata-based team. The team management released him ahead of IPL 2020. Rajasthan Royals have signed him, but it is unlikely that he will get a chance to open the innings.&nbsp;
Royals have some brilliant opening options available in their squad. India U19 star Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open the innings with Jos Buttler for Rajasthan. Besides, they also have the options of Sanju Samson and Manan Vohra. Hence, Uthappa will be given the responsibility to bat in the middle order. 
<h3>3. Ajinkya Rahane – Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_351258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351258" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-351258" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_361608.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane RR IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351258" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Ajinkya Rahane had become an indispensable part of the Rajasthan Royals in the previous decade. He was the captain of Rajasthan in IPL 2019. However, the team management sacked him as the skipper in the middle of the competition and handed over the team’s reins to Australian batsman Steve Smith.&nbsp;
Subsequently, Rajasthan also traded out Rahane to Delhi Capitals. It was a surprising decision from Delhi to sign Rahane because they already had three fantastic T20 openers in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shreyas-iyer-will-lead-delhi-capitals-in-the-right-way-during-ipl-2020-shikhar-dhawan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, Prithvi Shaw, and Jason Roy. While Roy is unavailable for IPL 2020, it is still highly unlikely that Shaw or Dhawan will bat in the middle order.&nbsp;
The right hand-left hand combination achieved much success opening together in the IPL last year. Rahane will most probably bat at number 3 for Delhi Capitals ahead of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Shimron Hetmyer. The Indian Test team’s vice-captain has batted at number three 13 times in IPL, managing 229 runs at an average of 19.08.&nbsp;
<h3>4. Mayank Agarwal – Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330900" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330900" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-330900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330900" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
With some solid performances against South Africa at home, Mayank Agarwal became India’s first-choice opener in Tests. He also opened the innings for the Men in Blue in the ODI series against New Zealand. However, his fans will probably see him in Kings XI Punjab’s middle-order during IPL 2020.&nbsp;
Agarwal had had memorable partnerships with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-had-enough-now-chris-gayle-threatens-to-block-yuzvendra-chahals-instagram-account/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Gayle</a> while opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. Since Punjab has the option of KL Rahul, Agarwal may not get an opportunity to open the innings. He has batted at number 3 in 23 IPL innings so far.&nbsp;
The right-handed batsman has managed to score 490 runs at an average of 22.27. It is noteworthy that his strike rate at number 3 has been much better than the opening position. Hence, Punjab will look to make the best use of his talent.&nbsp;
<h3>5. Tom Banton – Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_440528" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-440528" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-440528" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-440528" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
England’s upcoming wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton grabbed everyone’s attention with his incredible performance in the T20 Blast last year. He has become a member of England’s T20I team. Recently, he destroyed the Pakistani bowling attack while opening the innings for the English T20I side.&nbsp;
Kolkata Knight Riders managed to sign him at his base price in the auction. However, Banton may not open the innings for the two-time IPL winners. The team management may go with the pair of Sunil Narine and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-want-to-see-shubman-gill-open-the-batting-for-kkr-dean-jones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shubman Gill</a>.&nbsp;
Narine has been an excellent opener in the T20s, while Gill has the talent to make it big this season. Even Nitish Rana is available as a back-up option. Besides, Kolkata signed Rahul Tripathi in the auction, so Banton might not open the innings in IPL 2020.&nbsp;

IPL 2020 is just a week away as the cricket world prepares to witness a unique edition of the Indian Premier League. For the first time in over a decade, a foreign country will host the entire IPL season. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, BCCI had to shift the tournament out of India, and UAE secured the event&#8217;s hosting rights. 
The auction for this year&#8217;s IPL had happened way back in December, and all teams have almost every player available for this season. All the squads are equally balanced, especially in terms of batting. Some franchises have stacked up their batting department with three-five opening options available. The batsmen have become quite flexible in the T20 format. 
Since only two batsmen can open the innings, here are the five regular IPL openers who might be demoted to the middle-order in the 13th season of the IPL. 
<h3>1. Rohit Sharma &#8211; Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_336483" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-336483" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-336483" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-shot.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-336483" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The captain of Mumbai Indians, Rohit Sharma, regularly opens the innings for the Indian cricket team, and he also started to open the innings for Mumbai in the IPL. Sharma has achieved most of his success in the IPL, batting in the middle order. Mumbai needs some stability in its middle-order this year. 
With the team management having Chris Lynn, Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, and Aditya Tare available, the Mumbai skipper would prefer to bat in the middle order. The defending champions could also use Ishan Kishan as an opener if they want a blistering start in the powerplay overs. 
Talking about The Hitman&#8217;s performance in the middle order, Rohit has batted at number four 86 times in the IPL. He has amassed 2,392 runs at an average of 32.77 at that position. Besides, his only IPL hundred has come while batting at number 3. 
<h3>2. Robin Uthappa &#8211; Rajasthan Royals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_246151" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-246151" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-246151" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Robin-Uthappa.jpg" alt="Robin Uthappa" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-246151" class="wp-caption-text">Robin Uthappa. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Robin Uthappa played a vital role in Kolkata Knight Riders&#8217; IPL 2014 win. He was the Orange Cap winner in that season. It is noteworthy that KKR played five matches of that season in the UAE, and Uthappa performed decently in the spin-friendly conditions. 
Unfortunately, because of a below-par performance in IPL 2019, Robin lost his place in the Kolkata-based team. The team management released him ahead of IPL 2020. Rajasthan Royals have signed him, but it is unlikely that he will get a chance to open the innings. 
Royals have some brilliant opening options available in their squad. India U19 star Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to open the innings with Jos Buttler for Rajasthan. Besides, they also have the options of Sanju Samson and Manan Vohra. Hence, Uthappa will be given the responsibility to bat in the middle order. 
<h3>3. Ajinkya Rahane &#8211; Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_351258" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-351258" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-351258" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/CT_361608.jpg" alt="Ajinkya Rahane RR IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-351258" class="wp-caption-text">Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Ajinkya Rahane had become an indispensable part of the Rajasthan Royals in the previous decade. He was the captain of Rajasthan in IPL 2019. However, the team management sacked him as the skipper in the middle of the competition and handed over the team&#8217;s reins to Australian batsman Steve Smith. 
Subsequently, Rajasthan also traded out Rahane to Delhi Capitals. It was a surprising decision from Delhi to sign Rahane because they already had three fantastic T20 openers in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/shreyas-iyer-will-lead-delhi-capitals-in-the-right-way-during-ipl-2020-shikhar-dhawan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shikhar Dhawan</a>, Prithvi Shaw, and Jason Roy. While Roy is unavailable for IPL 2020, it is still highly unlikely that Shaw or Dhawan will bat in the middle order. 
The right hand-left hand combination achieved much success opening together in the IPL last year. Rahane will most probably bat at number 3 for Delhi Capitals ahead of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Shimron Hetmyer. The Indian Test team&#8217;s vice-captain has batted at number three 13 times in IPL, managing 229 runs at an average of 19.08. 
<h3>4. Mayank Agarwal &#8211; Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330900" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330900" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Mayank-Agarwal.jpg" alt="Mayank Agarwal" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330900" class="wp-caption-text">Mayank Agarwal. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
With some solid performances against South Africa at home, Mayank Agarwal became India&#8217;s first-choice opener in Tests. He also opened the innings for the Men in Blue in the ODI series against New Zealand. However, his fans will probably see him in Kings XI Punjab&#8217;s middle-order during IPL 2020. 
Agarwal had had memorable partnerships with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-had-enough-now-chris-gayle-threatens-to-block-yuzvendra-chahals-instagram-account/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Gayle</a> while opening the innings for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past. Since Punjab has the option of KL Rahul, Agarwal may not get an opportunity to open the innings. He has batted at number 3 in 23 IPL innings so far. 
The right-handed batsman has managed to score 490 runs at an average of 22.27. It is noteworthy that his strike rate at number 3 has been much better than the opening position. Hence, Punjab will look to make the best use of his talent. 
<h3>5. Tom Banton &#8211; Kolkata Knight Riders</h3>
<figure id="attachment_440528" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-440528" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-440528" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Tom-Banton.jpg" alt="Tom Banton" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-440528" class="wp-caption-text">Tom Banton. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
England&#8217;s upcoming wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton grabbed everyone&#8217;s attention with his incredible performance in the T20 Blast last year. He has become a member of England&#8217;s T20I team. Recently, he destroyed the Pakistani bowling attack while opening the innings for the English T20I side. 
Kolkata Knight Riders managed to sign him at his base price in the auction. However, Banton may not open the innings for the two-time IPL winners. The team management may go with the pair of Sunil Narine and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-want-to-see-shubman-gill-open-the-batting-for-kkr-dean-jones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Shubman Gill</a>. 
Narine has been an excellent opener in the T20s, while Gill has the talent to make it big this season. Even Nitish Rana is available as a back-up option. Besides, Kolkata signed Rahul Tripathi in the auction, so Banton might not open the innings in IPL 2020.

Since only two batsmen can open the innings, here are the five regular IPL openers who might be demoted to the middle-order in the 13th season of the IPL.

5 Regular openers who may be demoted in IPL 2020

IPL 2020 is just a week away as the cricket world prepares to witness a unique edition of the Indian Premier League. For the first time in