Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Indian Cricketer and current commentator, Gautam Gambhir said it is a must win T20I series for India against Australia before the T20 World Cup. If they cannot defeat Australia in this upcoming T20 series that will start from 20th September in India, then automatically they will face problems in the T20 world cup.
Gautam Gambhir in the press conference organised by Star Sports stated “I have said this earlier and I am saying this again. India can not win World Cup if they do not beat Australia. I mean look at the 2007 T20 World Cup, we defeated them in the semi-finals. In the 2011 ODI World Cup, we thrashed them in the quarter-finals. Australia is one of the most competitive teams out there and you will have to beat them if you want to win any comeptition.”
He also said about the batting position of Virat Kohli. It is impossible for Virat to open with KL Rahul or Rohit Sharma. The number 3 position is perfect for him. “Don’t start this nonsense about Virat Kohli opening the batting. He can’t open the batting with KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma (available). I even said this on air that there shouldn’t even be a debate about this. I will always be flexible about No. 3. If the openers bat out 10 overs, then I will have Suryakumar Yadav at No.3. If an early wicket falls then Kohli.”
Meanwhile, former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden also agreed with Gautam Gambhir, regarding Kohli’s batting order.
Matthew Hayden said “I like Virat at No. 3. He can manipulate the strike; his running is just off the charts. He can control the innings. He might be challenged with spin and he is a great player of fast bowling. I think the top four positions are locked.”
The first T20I match will be played on 20th September, Tuesday at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.