The former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that Virat kohli should occupy the number four position in the Indian cricket team’s batting lineup in the Asia Cup. However, India is already facing Pakistan in their opening encounter and Kohli who came to bat at number three has already returned to the pavilion.
Pathan advocates for Ishan Kishan to be included in the top-order batting lineup and believes that Virat Kohli has the skills to adapt to the number four position. He also emphasizes that Ishan might encounter difficulties against spin bowlers if he bats at number four and it’s important for him to settle in before facing spinners.
Before the start of the India and Pakistan encounter, Irfan Pathan said,”People are saying that Virat Kohli shouldn’t bat at No.4. But think about whether it’s better for Kohli to play at No.4 or Ishan to play at No.4? The team comes first. He is a great player and will take up the challenge. Let Ishan face the spinners when he is set. I feel Ishan should play in the top 3 and not at No.4.”
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir concurred with Irfan Pathan’s viewpoint regarding Ishan Kishan batting in the top order. However, Gambhir expressed his preference for Virat Kohli to remain in his original position which is number three.
Gambhir said that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma should bat at number four and Ishan Kishan should open the Indian innings with Shubman Gill.
He said,”I have said it before as well that Ishan Kishan and Shubhman Gill should open. This is not experimentation as they opened in the previous series (against WI). Rohit should bat at No.4 with Virat at No.3.”
