India skipper Virat Kohli started the three-match ODI series against Australia with an experiment. Kohli decided to move down the batting order to accommodate in-form KL Rahul in the side. 

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman is among those who didn't like Kohli's move. Sanjay Manjrekar and Harbhajan Singh were also not in favor of India captain changing his number three position.

In the first ODI against Australia, which India lost by 10 wickets, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan opened the innings with Rahul at number three.

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Kohli, who came at number 4, scored only 16 before getting dismissed to leg-spinner Adam Zampa.

"I don't see this plan working (Kohli at No 4). Even Sachin Tendulkar never liked batting at No 4 (reference to the 2007 World Cup). The last team you would like to experiment against is Australia," Laxman told Star Sports.

"Now again it is too late to change the combination. But maybe Virat can come at No 3 and Rahul at No 4. Shikhar got some runs and so will have his confidence high," he said. Dhawan was the top scorer for India with 74 runs. 

Harbhajan felt the best batsman of the team shouldn't change his position. "He has won so many games for India at number three. There is no need to change that," said Harbhajan.

Manjrekar added: "It is not a great move as it pushes Shreyas Iyer down to five after you gave him time to settle at number four (in the earlier series). If India continues with this, it might be pushed to the same situation that it was in the past."

Kohli came out to bat in the 28th over and lasted only 14 balls. "I would love it if I see Kohli comes to bat in 28th over," former Australia opener Matthew Hayden said.

(WITH PTI INPUTS)