‘Virat ko chhod kar sab change’ – Fans react as Gautam Gambhir picks India’s top four for their high-profile match against Pakistan

With just a few hours to go, Rohit Sharma and co. are gearing up to win their opening match against Pakistan. In addition, the Babar Azam side has won their opening match against Nepal and will be looking to dominate against India batters. It is undeniable that it’s the encounter between India’s batting line-up and Pakistan’s bowling attack. A plethora of former cricketers and cricket pundits have started suggesting their top-order batters for the Indian batting line-up owing to KL Rahul’s injury ahead of the much-anticipated clash. Notably, former India cricketer turned analyst Gautam Gambhir is one of them.

Earlier, some reports suggested that Mumbai Indians batter Ishan Kishan would play the role of wicketkeeper-middle order batsman against Pakistan, whereas the cricket commentator felt the 25-year-old batter should open the game along with Gujarat Titans batter Shubman Gill owing to his magnificent records as an opener in the recently concluded West Indies series.

I feel Rohit Sharma should come down at No. 4: Gautam Gambhir

In addition, the 2011 World Cup-winning star feels India’s skipper Rohit Sharma should bat at number four, while former India skipper Virat Kohli is a perfect option for the third spot. The former KKR skipper further added that the upcoming match isn’t for experimenting with the players.

“Maine pehle bhi bola hai ki agar Ishan Kishan khelte hai toh Ishan Kishan aur Shubman Gill ko open karna chahiye. Ye koi experimentation nahi hai, kyuki Ishan ne pichli series mein bhi open kiya hai, so I feel Rohit Sharma 4 number khelna chahiye, Virat Kohli ko teen number he khelna chahiye  (I have said earlier as well that if Ishan Kishan is playing then he should open the innings along with Shubman Gill. This is not experimentation because, in the last series as well, Ishan was the opener. So I feel Rohit Sharma should come down at No. 4 and Virat Kohli should continue batting at No. 3),” Gautam Gambhir said on Star Sports.

Check out how fans have reacted after his top-order picks:

Correct pic.twitter.com/saQr0rYhAP

— Pawan Shukla (@Shukla8175) September 2, 2023

Bat ka grip acha hai pic.twitter.com/BP8Up2Ci9U

— Abhay 🇮🇳 (@InfinityAbhay) September 2, 2023

Gambhir ko koi chup karao 😭 pic.twitter.com/Ojp6UmDlOH

— Cricket🏏 Lover // ICT Fan Account (@CricCrazyV) September 2, 2023

You are on the mark, Gautam Gambhir. Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the ideal batsmen to deal with Pakistan’s bowling attack. They have the ability, attitude and aggression to pile up big runs and snatch the win for India.

— Shivam Kahar (@ishivamkahar) September 2, 2023

He said Virat Kohli will be a threat for India 🔥

— Nisha  (@NishaRo45_) September 2, 2023

India 0-2 after 1st over. pic.twitter.com/3KRnfuctJn

— The CrickFun (@TheCrickFun) September 2, 2023

Iska alag hi chalta hai

— Supriya (@Supriya_pro) September 2, 2023

Gill and Ishan facing Shaheen and Naseem 💀💀, no way….Rohit has to open for sure

— Rahul Varma (@urscoolrahul) September 2, 2023