“Everybody is afraid of Virat Kohli, which is why Rahul Dravid will be missed,” said Gautam Gambhir, as he recommended Nitish Kumar Reddy for the No. 4 spot in the lineup. Kohli once in scintillating form after his century in Perth, has since struggled with consistency in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following that memorable knock, he posted disappointing scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in his next five innings across three Tests. This recent dip in form has raised questions, and the absence of someone like Dravid, known for his calmness and ability to provide valuable insights, is being felt more than ever.

Basit Ali Criticises Gambhir-Led Indian Team Management Over Virat Kohli’s Form

Former Pakistani cricketer has accused the Indian Team Management led by Gambhir of being fearful of the underperforming batter Virat Kohli. Ali suggested that the head coach consider moving the former India captain down the batting order for the fifth and final Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, set to begin later this week at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Kohli, like the Indian Captain has had a tough time in the Test cricket in 2024. After struggling in the home series against New Zealand in November, the 36-year-old made a strong comeback with a century in the second innings in Perth. However, his form quickly faded, as he posted disappointing scores of 7, 11, 3, 36, and 5 in the next five innings across three Tests.

Basit Ali Suggests Batting Order Change for Kohli and Reddy

Basit Ali has criticised Virat Kohli’s ongoing struggle against deliveries outside the off stump, a weakness that has lead to his dismissal six times in the current series. In light of this, the former Pakistan cricketer believes that Gautam Gambhir should consider reshuffling India’s batting order for the final Test in Sydney. He proposed that Kohli move down to No. 5, given his challenges at No. 4, and suggested promoting in-form Nitish Kumar Reddy to bat at No. 4. Reddy, who scored his maiden international century in the Melbourne Test last week, despite India’s defeat, has impressed Basit. “Now is the time to bring Nitish up to No. 4 and Virat Kohli at No. 5 because he is not able to score at No. 4. He’s getting out on the same shot,” Basit said.

Basit Ali Calls for Kohli to Move Down the Order, Misses Dravid’s Leadership

Basit Ali expressed frustration over Virat Kohli’s continuous struggle, suggesting if the star batter is not performing he should consider dropping down the batting order. “Perform nahi ho raha toh apna number toh neeche karo na. Rohit upar neeche kar raha hai, Virat ka koi nahi soch raha, kyunki darte hain na sab (if you are not able to score then drop lower down the order; Rohit is doing that but nobody thinking about Virat because everybody’s afraid).” He said. Basit also noted that shifting Kohli down the order might have been easier if Rahul Dravid were still the coach, adding, “Mera khayal hai Dravid ki yaad aayegi (I think former coach Rahul Dravid will be missed).”