The unavailability of Virat Kohli in the IND vs AFG 1st T20I has created a major headache for Rahul Dravid. While the opening pair is set, there is a lack of players who can fill in at 3 and 4. The absence of Kohli for the 1st game has added extra pressure as far the selection goes.
India Cricket Team head coach Rahul Dravid informed the media that Virat Kohli will miss the first match due to personal reasons. Now this is created a selection headache? Who will be the perfect player to take the number 3 spot and who slots in at number 4 above the middle order batters?
Shubman Gill vs Tilak Varma
It is fairly certain that Shubma Gill will not open for India. Dravid clarified that Rohit will pair with Yashasvi Jasiwal as the preferred openers. But with the preparation for the T20 World Cup ongoing, it will be a big blunder to bench the like of Shubman Gill.
On the other hand, another name that comes up is Tilak Varma. Where can the young southpaw fit in? Tilak has played at 3, 4 as well as a finisher and can slot in at any preferred position. But it is highly likely that Varma will slot in at 4 and can be handy with the right-left handed combo with Gill.
What choices does India have for 3 and 4?
- 1. Shubman Gill starts at 3 while Tilak Varma plays at 4.
2. Tilak Varma plays at 3, No Shubman Gill while Shivam Dube plays at 5.
3. No Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma at 3, Sanju Samson at 4 while Jitesh Sharma at 5.
