“Yashasvi Jaiswal should open, Shubman Gill can take Virat Kohli’s batting slot”: R Ashwin gives important suggestion for ODIs
Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that India should capitalize on Jaiswal’s form by having him open alongside captain Rohit Sharma. He also feels that Shubman Gill can slot into the number 3 position in ODIs, as he has previously played there.
“Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma, with Shubman Gill taking the number 3 position, as Jaiswal is in exceptional form.
Virat Kohli can take the number 4 spot, a position where Sachin Tendulkar has also played.”
Ashwin mentioned Kohli’s impressive record at number 4, where he has played 39 innings, scoring 1,767 runs at an average of 55.22, including seven centuries and eight fifties. However, Kohli has accumulated 11,785 runs at number 3, at an average of 61.06, including 43 centuries and 62 half-centuries.
Meanwhile, Gill has scored 179 runs in four innings at number 3, averaging 44.75, but his record as an opener is exceptional, with 2,149 runs in 43 innings at an average of 59.69, including five centuries and 13 fifties, with a best score of 208.
Ashwin also explained why Kohli should move to number 4, stating that Gill is a certain starter for the team. He downplayed Gill’s recent form in Tests, especially his performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in the video.
“Shubman Gill is a talented player. It’s important not to judge him based on format changes. You can assess him according to the format you prefer. If there’s some doubt, that’s understandable. But personally, I believe Shubman Gill is nearly a guaranteed pick for the ODI team. I have no hesitation in that.”
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