Virat Kohli at No. 3 in 'Injured' Shubman Gill's Absence For 1st Test vs Australia at Perth?

India vs Australia, BGT: Days ahead of the 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India find themselves in a dilemma over who plays at No. 3 in Shubman Gill's absence. While there are a number of options at hand like Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad and KL Rahul , yet former India cricketer Kirti Azad has another name in mind. Azad wants Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3, which is not his regular position. Admitting that Kohli is the best batter in the side, Azad wants him to play at No. 3. 

ALSO READ: Carey Claims 'Best Form of His Life' After MAJOR Stance Change Pre BGT

‘Kohli is the best bet for number three’

“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,” Azad said to an Indian media house.

The point is, Kohli has not been at his very best at No. 3 in red-ball cricket. In eight outings, he has amassed merely 167 runs at an average of 23.85. This includes just one fifty. 

Azad also sounded confident about Kohli's chances of performing well in Australia. 

ALSO READ: Nathan Lyon Expresses High Regard for Virat Kohli Before Border-Gavaskar

‘Expect him to do well again’

“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'll get into form. He likes challenges, though this is a tough one in Australia,” Azad added. 

Kohli has a lot of experience of playing in Australia. Some reckon this could be Kohli's last tour of the country for red-ball cricket as an active Indian cricketer. 

It is a five-match Test series that India and Australia will play. All the Tests would be part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.