Ravi Shastri Names His Choice At No.4 To Replace Virat Kohli In Indian Test Team

After Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket before the five-match series against England, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri stated that he preferred the No. 4 batting position. Shastri supported captain Shubman Gill's decision to bat at number four, saying that might be the best spot for him.

India is having trouble selecting who would bat at number four following Virat Kohli's retirement. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul are anticipated to be among the top four. Rahul and Gill can bat at different spots in the lineup, but Jaiswal is certain to be the opening batsman.

India will embark on a five-match Test series tour of England, starting in Leeds on June 20. After stalwarts Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired from Test cricket, the visitors will have a comparatively inexperienced team.

Ravi Shastri names his choice for Virat Kohli’s replacement

Shubman Gill should bat at number four, according to Ravi Shastri, who told the ICC that this would give the new skipper plenty of time to get used to his surroundings.

"I think it might just suit Shubman [Gill], the captain, to give him that little bit of extra time to think. He can open with two left-handers also, if need be," Ravi Shastri said on ICC Review.

KL Rahul has been at his best while batting at the top of the order, according to Ravi Shastri. During the 2021 England series, he emphasized Rahul's effective and disciplined batting. Rahul can handle the new ball, according to Ravi Shastri, who supports him at number three.

"Although I always feel Rahul has played his best when he's at the top. The way he batted in England in the 2021 series was outstanding. Just his discipline, his ability to leave. Even when he started off in Australia, he was excellent.

He's the kind who, once he sees that new ball, makes it count; he goes big. You know, he's a hundred-man. And when you look at it, he's the experienced bloke in the team. I'd rather push him there. At most, if you decide Sudharsan’s in the side and should open, there's nothing wrong with having one or two left-handers. Then Rahul drops down to three. I would say Rahul at three and Shubman at four," he concluded.

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"Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir top decide”- Ajit Agarkar on no.4 batter

During a news conference, Ajit Agarkar, the head of the selection committee, was questioned about India's potential next No. 4 hitter. He stated that head coach Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill would make the final decision. Agarkar went on to say that choosing the batting order is not his responsibility.

"Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir might take a call on the number four in the batting order. I cannot give the batting order from here," Agarkar said.

On June 20, India and England will kick off their five-match Test series in Leeds. Edgbaston (July 2–6), Lord's (July 10–14), Old Trafford (July 23–27), and The Oval (July 31–August 4) will host the remaining games.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami Gave BCCI Selectors A Huge Shock; Refused To Join Team India In Australia