Even before the start of the test series, the absence of Virat Kohli in the last three Tests has been the most debatable topic that has been discussed. India play the first Test in Adelaide with Virat Kohli leading the side. Cricket experts have been peaking about how important it is to win the first Test for India with Kohli playing. Meanwhile, former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has made his pick for India’s number four for the last three Tests.

Gavaskar has backed Ajinkya Rahane to bat at number four for India. Rahane will lead the side in the last three Tests in Kohli’s absence as well. Speaking to Channel Seven, Gavaskar said Rahane is the best man to bat at number four in Kohli’s absence. Ricky Ponting and Brian Lara were also a part of that discussion.

“Virat’s obviously there only for the first Test then you’d expect Rahane to take over (as captain) but they (India) have to find someone to bat at No.4. Who do you expect to take that No.4 spot?” Asked former Australia skipper Ponting, who was the host of the panel discussion aired on 7 cricket, the official broadcaster of India vs Australia Tests.

“It looks to me it could be KL Rahul. Or no, actually I think Rahane will go at No.4 once Virat goes away,” Gavaskar said in reply.

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Gill or Rahul at Number Five: Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar further said that either KL Rahul or Shubman Gill should bat at number five for India. Meanwhile, both these batsmen bat at the top of the order. Rahul has also opened for India earlier in Test matches. It will be interesting to see then as to who opens with Mayank Agarwal in Adelaide if Rahul and Gill are India’s number five options as per Gavaskar.

Nether of KL Rahul or Virat Kohli played the warm-up games against Australia A. Gill has scores of 43 and 65 in the second warm-up game. While Rahane scored a brilliant ton in the first game along with Cheteshwar Pujara and Wriddhiman Saha scoring fifties.

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