Virat Kohli is a great option as opener for India in T20Is: Rohan Gavaskar

Ever since Virat Kohli hit his 71st International century against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup, there has been a lot of discussion on whether India should try Kohli as an opener in T20Is. Now, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul already in the squad, the opening position is pretty much stacked. Experts and former cricketers like Gautam Gambhir, Aakash Chopra and Irfan Pathan have previously stated how the former India captain should continue at three but Rohan Gavaskar certainly doesn’t agree with them.

The former cricketer believes that Kohli as an opener is a great option for India. He also reminded everyone how Virat previously wanted to open the batting for both India and Royal Challengers Bangalore. His numbers as an opener are phenomenal, to say the least and thus, a lot of discussions have taken place on his spot in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“Look, in terms of should Virat be opening, I think it's a great option. You look at his T20 numbers, they are outstanding. He averages about 55-57 and his strike rate is about 160. Those are phenomenal numbers. His last innings, again unbeaten innings of 122, tells you that he probably relishes opening as well. If memory serves me right, he wanted to open or he said he wanted to open in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in this edition or the last edition, he said that's the spot I want to be. So, it's obviously something that he wants to do. So, it's definitely a big option for the Indian team,” said Gavasakar on SPORTS18's daily sports news show 'SPORTS OVER THE TOP.

It’s tricky but I want Suryakumar at number three: Rohan Gavaskar

With Virat Kohli ideally opening as per Rohan's analysis, he wants Suryakumar Yadav to promote himself at number three. The Mr. 360 of Indian cricket, Suryakumar, has experience to bat at number three and has done reasonably well. It is because of his fearless batting, he is fourth in the list of ICC Men’s T20I batting rankings. Thus, without a doubt, his promotion is definitely on the cards if Virat indeed opens for the Men in Blue.

“SKY batting at number 3 it's a pleasing thought. But I have to say if Virat opens, he showed what a tremendous success he is as an opener. It means one of my favourite players will have to make way, which is KL Rahul. Because KL Rahul, I've said this before, he's an absolute class act. So look, it's one of those tricky sort of situations but SKY at number 3, I think that's what we want. His numbers you know and as rightly said, he's one of the best batters in T20,” said the former cricketer on the same show.