In the absence of Shubman Gill, India had to make some changes in its batting order in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. In the match, it was decided to send experienced batsman Virat Kohli at number 3 and Sarfaraz Khan, who replaced Gill, at number 4.

However, this strategy of captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir could not show anything special. Kohli was out without scoring any runs in 9 balls in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test match. On the other hand, former wicketkeeper batsman and Dinesh Karthik, who played with Kohli in RCB, has given a big statement regarding this decision of the Indian management.

Dinesh Karthik gave a big statement

Let us tell you that Dinesh Karthik was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz – I am not defending Virat Kohli, he has the temperament and technique like some of the great batsmen who have played so far. If I make any changes it is because I am confident that that player will perform well there, not because I want to save Virat Kohli.

He plays at number 4 in Tests. He opens 3 times in every ODI and T20 match. Now you can say the ball is different, it is not rotating as much, 100 per cent, where is the best position for Virat Kohli in Test cricket, he is just number four.

Virat Kohli is also commendable. He could have easily said, no, let me bat at number four, because you can keep KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan at number three. The coach would have said, OK, I will manage that conversation. The fact that he went to bat at number 3 shows his (serious) mindset.