T20 World Cup 2022: "Don't start the nonsense," Gautam Gambhir on debate over Virat Kohli's batting position

Matthew Hayden also opined on Virat Kohli's batting position in T20Is.

 

Virat Kohli | Gettt Images

Ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, Virat Kohli’s batting position became the major talking point among the cricket fraternity, especially ever since he found his form in the recent Asia Cup 2022 in the UAE and KL Rahul was struggling to get going as an opener.

While some believe that Kohli should open the innings for India alongside captain Rohit Sharma, many are adamant that the right-hander should continue to bat at number three in T20I cricket.

Well, former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has called the suggestion of Kohli opening the batting "nonsense" and said that the number three batting position is his favorite for the dashing batter.

Read Also: "Getting Rohit and Virat out would cost India about 60-70 runs in a T20I"- Asghar Afghan

Gambhir said on Star Sports’ Game Plan show:Don't start this nonsense about him (Kohli) opening the batting. He can't open the batting with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma (available). I even said this on air that there shouldn't even be a debate about this. I will always be flexible about No. 3. If the openers bat out 10 overs, then I will have Suryakumar Yadav at No.3. If an early wicket falls then Kohli.”

Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also agreed with Gambhir, as Kohli at No. 3 can control the innings for Team India in the shorter format of the game.

Hayden said on the same show: “I like Virat at No. 3. He can manipulate the strike; his running is just off the charts. He can control the innings. He might be challenged with spin and he is a great player of fast bowling. I think the top four positions are locked.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 17 Sep, 2022

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