Shreyas Iyer’s success at the No. 3 spot against Sri Lanka has triggered a new debate in the Indian cricket team. Even though Iyer hasn’t been a regular for India in T20Is, there are those who feel he can take over the spot in the Indian team from Virat Kohli. Sunil Gavaskar, however, is of the opinion that Kohli is irreplaceable in the team even with his current form issues.

With Kohli rested for the T20Is against Lanka, Iyer got the one-down spot in the Indian team. Usually, Iyer has been competing with Suryakumar Yadav for the No. 4 or No. 5 spot in the team. Despite Iyer’s success at No. 3 against the Lankans, Gavaskar feels the 27-year-old should play at No. 4 or No. 5.

“It’s a great problem to have. Obviously, Virat Kohli can’t be replaced. He will probably come in at No.3, there is no question about it. But then you can use somebody like a Shreyas Iyer at No.4 or 5. Suryakumar, the way he has been batting, he is got to be included. It is just the plus, plus as far as the team is concerned,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

Another cricketer-turned-pundit, Aakash Chopra, differs with Gavaskar a little. Chopra feel Kohli can open with Rohit Sharma, vacating the No. 3 role for Iyer in the T20 format.

“Shreyas Iyer put his stamp on the three matches against Sri Lanka. He has asked a very good question from all of us and the selectors. He was asked about his preferred position, he said No.3. Virat Kohli bats at No.3 but it is not a given that Virat will always play at No.3.”