Batting great Sunil Gavaskar echoed Ravi Shastri’s comment about Virat Kohli batting at No.4 for Team India in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that players need to be flexible and team management can look to have Kohli at 4. 

India’s No.4 has been the biggest debate for a while now. Shreyas Iyer made that spot his own but unfortunately, he faced an injury and missed a lot of action for the team. In his absence team tried quite a few batters but no one really looked settled. 

Shreyas Iyer although has made a return to the team and will be part of India’s squad for the Asia Cup. But with him having no professional cricket behind his back, it’ll be a big concern for the team and the big question remains whether will be he able to replicate what he did before he was injured. 

Recently, Ravi Shastri popped up a suggestion that Virat Kohli should bat at No.4 as it’ll provide stability in the middle order. He said that he wanted this happen to during his tenure as head coach because he wanted to break that top-heavy lineup. 

Sunil Gavaskar also believes that Virat Kohli can be pushed down at No.4 because the new ball can do damage. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma and the No.3 batter has always been the victim of the new ball in big games and they can take call according to the situation. Speaking to India Today, he explained: 

“(On batting order) Any team has to be flexible…but I don’t want to disturb the top order. I don’t think Rohit Sharma should be looking to bat down the order. Yes, you can look at having Kohli at No. 4, particularly, if a wicket falls early because the new ball can do some early damage. 

“Every time India has lost, I think it’s that the fact the new ball in the first 10-12 overs, India have lost three or four wickets, and both wickets out of these wickets have been Sharma and Kohli, who’ve been the victims, so it’s difficult. Maybe, look at it depending on the situation.” 

Virat Kohli has scored 1767 runs at an average of 55.22, including seven centuries in the 39 innings that he has played at No.4. Whereas most of his runs have come at No.3. He has played 210 innings at that position and has scored 10,777 runs at an average of 60.21, including 39 tons. 

Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli bowling wouldn’t be much handy – Sunil Gavaskar 

Sunil Gavaskar also shared his verdict on Rohit Sharma’s statement about him and Virat Kohli bowling in the World Cup. The batting great said that it could’ve been successful had they been bowling regularly. 

Sunil Gavaskar also pointed out that Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya will be key for India. He believes that they will be game-changers for the team. He explained: 

“(On Rohit & Kohli bowling) If they had been bowling quite regularly, yes, it could be good, but when you look at the successful teams in limited-overs cricket that have gone on to win championships.  For India, you’ll find there have been full of all-rounders, batters who can bowl and bowlers down the order who’ve contributed when they get to bat about six or seven overs, they’ve contributed good runs.

“So, yes, I think the all-rounders are gonna be the key, so it’s good to see Hardik Pandya in the team. He’s the kind of player who is a game-changer along with Ravindra Jadeja. These two guys are going to be the key.” 

India team will be attending a camp at NCA before traveling to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup 2023, set to begin on 30th August. The Rohit Sharma-led side will open their campaign against Pakistan on 2nd September at Kandy.