India vs Australia: Sunil Gavaskar picks India’s number 4 for last three Tests in Virat Kohli’s absence

India vs Australia: Sunil Gavaskar picks India’s number 4 for last three Tests in Virat Kohli’s absence
Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane might at number 4 in Virat’s absence

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is set to miss the last three Test matches against Australia to be his wife for the birth of their first child. Meanwhile, the team’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in his absence. However, there’s still no confirmation on who would bat at number four when Virat departs.

Former Indian opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar reckoned that apart from captaincy, Rahane must step up to bat at two down for the team. As a result, Gavaskar said that either Shubman Gill or KL Rahul might bat at number five.

“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 while hosting the panel discussion aired on 7 cricket.

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“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.

“Then you might have Rahul bat at No.5 or Shubman Gill,” Gavaskar added.

Australia has great experience in Day/Night Tests

Australia Test Team
Australia Test Team

The former Indian cricketer said that the home team has a slight advantage as they are more experienced when it comes to the Day/Night Tests. Australia has played seven out of 14 D/N five-day games taken place so far, emerging victorious at all the occasions.

“I would think whoever bats well is going to win the game. Australia has played a lot of (day-night) matches, they have the experience of knowing exactly what happens when the sun’s going down and how to bat and bowl at that particular point of time,” he said.

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