Ravi Shastri's blunt remark completely shuts down Hayden and Akram's Virat Kohli theory

Prior to the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 clash between India and Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, cricket legends Ravi Shastri, Wasim Akram, and Matthew Hayden engaged in a spirited debate regarding the ideal batting lineup for India, especially with regard to Virat Kohli's position. Given the limited number of matches before the World Cup, the middle order was a pressing concern for the Indian team coming into the Asia Cup. However, Shastri, the former India coach, swiftly settled the discussion with a sharp verdict.

3 things you need to know

• India are playing their first match of Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan
• India lost four early wickets to give Pakistan an edge in the game
• Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya rescued India with a brilliant partnership

Also Read: India Vs Pakistan LIVE Score, Asia Cup 2023 Latest Updates

Shastri's blunt remark to Hayden, Akram query

With KL Rahul unavailable for India's Asia Cup opener against Pakistan, the surprise No. 3 listing was Ishan Kishan, followed by Virat Kohli at No. 4. However, when India lost Rohit Sharma early on their innings, Kohli was sent at the number 3 position. Before the start of the match, Hayden had suggested that Kohli should bat at No. 4 for this game, while Akram cited the wisdom of former Pakistan World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan. 

Akram stated that former Pakistan skipper Imran Khan used to say that the best batsman of the team should face the most deliveries, suggesting Kohli should bat at the number 3 position for India. 

"It's a no conversation to be honest – this Ishan Kishan, KL Rahul… Once KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are in the mix, they play. Automatic. So the fact that he is not playing 2 games but is still in the mix shows he is almost 100 percent, Rahul. And for me, India is a stronger side with Rahul in there as a keeper and in the middle order. So when that happens and Shreyas is there, it's a straight-forward Indian batting line up with Rohit and Shubman Gill as openers, Virat at 3. It's when you have injuries. If something happens to one of these guys, then you need to be flexible, bring Ishan Kishan up because then if there is a wicketkeeping injury, then you have to think where you bat him. At the moment, it's a no-brainer," Shastri responded. 

"The fact that KL Rahul is here means that he will play in the future. Not today, but when he's fit. Do saal se KL Rahul aur Shreyas Iyer thodi jhakk maar rahe the. (Iyer and him weren't just wasting their time for the last couple of years) They were playing and scoring," Shastri said on Hindi commentary before the match.

Also Read: IND Vs PAK: Virat And Rohit Give Standing Ovation To Ishan Kishan As He Scores Superb 50

Regarding the match, India lost four crucial wickets in the powerplay as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill departed early. Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up two wickets, while Haris Rauf chipped in with two of his own. Afridi removed Rohit and Kohli after coming back from the rain break. Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya forged a crucial partnership to help India cross the 200-run mark. 

Image: Hotstar