Former Indian captain Anil Kumble openly criticised management's decision to send Virat Kohli to bat at No. 3 position during Day 2 of the First Test between India and New Zealand which was being held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On the day that India's batting collapsed spectacularly, Kumble claimed that the team failed to recognise Cheteshwar Pujara's approach. Kumble believed that Pujara, a batter who would have taken a measured approach to hold the fort from the other end, was what India needed as they looked to attack.
Kumble on 46 all out
"Virat Kohli should have batted at No. 4, he is your No.1 batter at that position. For the number three position, someone like Cheteshwar Pujara, who did so well for so many years playing there. 100 Test matches because he would have been there today, then he would have. You know, I don't think he would have gone looking to hit the ball. He would allow the ball to come on and that's where you miss someone like that. Kind of an approach today. And India is certainly in a spot of bother here," Kumble told Jio Cinema.
After the World Test Championship 2023 final, Pujara, who was India's preferred No. 3 batter in Tests for almost ten years—was cut from the team's playing roster. During the Test series against the West Indies last year, Gill took his spot at No. 3 and is looking to hold it. With his unwavering resolve and defence, Pujara saved India from a certain collapse throughout his career.
Kohli fails at number 3 spot
Due to stiffness in his neck, Shubman Gill was unable to play and Kohli was moved up to No. 3 in his place. After Rohit Sharma was removed early from the game, Kohli strode into the bat under cloudy skies. The Indian batting maestro climbed up to the No. 3 spot in Test cricket for the first time in eight years. At the No. 3 position, Kohli's record was not particularly good. In six games at the position, the star hitter has only managed to score 97 runs at an average of 16.16. However, he had never been out of the game for a duck while batting at number three before this instance.
