"Kohli is the best bet for No.3" - Former Indian cricketer on Shubman Gill's replacement at the position in 2024-25 BGT opener
Former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad backed ace batter Virat Kohli to replace the injured Shubman Gill at No.3 for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, starting November 22. Gill was ruled out for the series opener after sustaining a fracture on his left thumb during a match simulation three days back.
The 25-year-old had established himself as India's Test No.3 over the past year with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the designated openers. However, Gill's absence leaves India searching for a No.3 option for the opening Perth Test.
When asked about the same in an interview with TOI, Azad said:
"I think Kohli is the best bet for number three. He has scored runs at number three (across all formats). And you should always have your best batter at number three."
While Kohli enjoys incredible numbers at No.3 in the white-ball formats, the story is vastly different in Tests.
The 36-year-old averages under 24 in eight innings at one-drop with a lone half-century. India's past Test successes in Australia have largely hinged on the peformance of their No.3 from Rahul Dravid in 2003-04 to Cheteshwar Pujara in 2018-19 and 2020-21.
"We start with questioning players if they don't do well, maybe in a series or maybe a couple of innings" - Kirti Azad on Virat Kohli's recent form slump
Kirti Azad dismissed the criticism of Virat Kohli for his recent form slump and backed him to deliver the goods in Australia.
The champion batter is coming off a dismal home Test series against New Zealand, averaging under 16 in three Tests. Kohli's Test form this year has been sub-par with an average of only 22.72 and a lone half-century in 12 innings.
"We start with questioning players if they don't do well, maybe in a series or maybe a couple of innings. But I suppose he has done a humane service for the country, and we expect him to do well again. And I'm sure he will get into form. He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia." said Azad.
Despite his recent struggles, Kohli can derive confidence from his excellent Test record in Australia.
The veteran batter averages a remarkable 54.08 in 13 Tests down under with six centuries. Kohli was also the first Indian captain to lead his side to a Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.