'Let’s not confuse flexibility': Ex-cricketer suggests new batting position for Kohli

With less than a week remaining at the start of the Asia Cup 2023, there are still many queries that are left to be answered. While KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer's inclusion in the side strengthens the batting line-up and offers flexibility at the same time. However, an ex-cricketer sees a flaw in the provision and highlights it on live TV. 

3 things you need to know

• The Asia Cup squad has been announced
• KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer have been included in the side
• Asia Cup 2023 will start on August 30, 2023

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Sanjay Manjrekar opines on flexibility in Team India's batting order

Sanjay Manjrekar, who is one of the foremost minds in the world of cricket analysts, stated that the facet of flexibility is vital but it comes with a condition. He made it known that Virat Kohli covering the number 4 space and Ishan Kishan batting down the order is the definition of flexibility. He further explained his perspective by stating that the team should have capable batsmen in the 4,5 and 6 positions, who can be shuffled through to counter the opposition's spinners when there is considerable turn on the pitch.

Image: BCCI

“I will make a quick point though; let’s not confuse flexibility, the kind of flexibility that I expect. For example, where I mentioned Virat Kohli as a number 4 to solve the problem with Ishan Kishan batting down the order, that’s the kind of flexibility that I’m talking about in the starting template. Now, what happens during the course of the match down the order at number 4, 5, 6; you have two spinners operating, turning a bit, then those kinds of moves are commonplace and something that you expect," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.

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Manjrekar contemplates who could fit into the batting line-up

Manjrekar paid heed to the concerns regarding what could be the ideal structure in the middle order and suggested Virat Kohli as the number 4 batsman. He also said that KL Rahul might not get a place straightaway as he is inflicted with a niggle. On Shreyas Iyer though he expressed his optimism.

"I think with the starting template or with the plan at the start of the game switching an important position. The whole debate really is about how your 4, 5, 6 are going to look. KL Rahul, I worry about the selection with this niggle; Shreyas Iyer more optimistic and both Ravi (Shastri) and myself when we talked about Virat Kohli at number 4, that’s the kind of flexibility I’m talking about, not while the match is happening and just for a short time where somebody can tackle a particular bowler,” Manjrekar added.