Former Indian cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh wants the team management to allow Virat Kohli to bat as an opener in the IND vs AUS 3rd ODI in Sydney. The ex-Indian captain, who returned to international cricket for the first time since Champions Trophy 2025 in the AUS series, was dismissed for back-to-back ducks, fueling speculations about his future in ODIs. Ramesh reckons that it will be important for Virat to open the innings along with Rohit Sharma in other to regain his form.
Virat Kohli to open in IND vs AUS 3rd ODI?
In a video on his YouTube channel, Ramesh urged the team management to allow Kohli to open along with Rohit, like they did so in T20Is. He said that captain Shubman Gill could instead bat at number 3, thereby allowing Virat to play without any pressure at the top of the order. Ramesh claimed that it was sad to see Kohli bat without any joy, adding that the batter is being put under pressure over the future of his career.
“I urge the Indian think tank to think differently. Like T20s, open with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and have Shubman Gill bat at No. 3. Let Kohli start at 0/0 so that the situation-based pressure can be erased. Sometimes even legendary cricketers need a helping hand,” Ramesh said
In the 1st ODI, Kohli faced 8 deliveries before he was sent back to the pavillion while facing a delivery outside the off stump. It went from bad to worse for the batter as he managed to stick around only for 4 deliveries in the IND vs AUS 2nd ODI before he was trapped plumb in front of the stumps for an LBW.
“He is also lacking in match practice because of it. But apart from the career pressure, he is also under pressure match-situation wise. He is walking in at 10 or 15 for one every time, which brings extra pressure,” Ramesh added.
