With Shubman Gill unavailable for the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, former India cricketer Kirti Azad has recommended Virat Kohli to bat at No.3.
The opener Shubman Gill fractured his left thumb while attempting a catch at slip during a match simulation at the WACA in Perth. India will also be without Rohit Sharma, who is spending time with his family after the birth of his second child.
The absence of both Rohit and Gill has left a key position open in the batting order. Kirti Azad, a member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning squad, believes Kohli is the right choice for the No.3 spot.
“Kohli is the best bet for number three. He has scored runs at number three (across all formats). You should always have your best batter at that position. We start questioning players if they don’t perform well for a series or a few innings,” Azad told Times of India.
Kohli’s track record at No.3 in recent Tests hasn’t been ideal. When Shubman Gill missed the first Test against New Zealand due to neck stiffness, Kohli batted at No.3 but scored only 167 runs across eight innings, averaging 23.85 with just one half-century. Despite these stats, Azad remains confident in Kohli’s abilities.
Virat Kohli, now 36, enters the series facing questions about his Test form. Over the past four years, he has scored just two centuries in the format and managed only one 50+ score in his last ten innings.
However, Kohli’s performance in Australia offers hope. In 13 Tests Down Under, he has amassed over 1,300 runs, proving his ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
“He has done a humane service for the country, and we expect him to do well again. I’m sure he’ll get into form. He likes challenges, though this one is tough in Australia,” Azad added.
In the last series against New Zealand, Kohli batted at No.3 in Bengaluru. He was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but scored 70 runs in the second. Whether the team management opts to use him at No.3 again remains to be seen. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah will captain the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence when the Perth Test begins on November 22.
