MSK Prasad opines that Hanuma Vihari should be promoted in Virat Kohli’s absence

The former chief of India’s selection panel states that Hanuma Vihari should be batting up the order in the absence of Kohli. Vihari made his Test debut in the 2018 tour of England and has also opened the batting for the side.

In 10 Tests, the right-handed batsman has scored 576 runs at an average of 33.88. In the Adelaide Test that India lost by eight wickets, Vihari could only manage to score 16 and 8 respectively. The 27-year-old got out to fast bowler Josh Hazlewood on both instances.

However, keeping in mind his batting technique, Prasad opined that the Indian team should promote Vihari up the order. Prasad also considered that Rahul could be the best option at the number six slot for the remaining series.

Rahul can be a good number six in this series, says MSK Prasad

Prasad quoted that Hanuma Vihari has a very good technique and temperament that can serve this team. In the absence of the captain, it can be an excellent opportunity for Vihari and Rahul to stand up and be counted.

He further stated that Vihari should either bat at Number 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the upcoming challenge. He also said that Vihari is a brave boy and he will do well if given a chance. On the other hand, Rahul can be best suited at No. 6 in this series.

Rahul had not played a Test match since India’s tour of the West Indies back in 2019. In the two-match series, Rahul failed to perform and was subsequently left out of the team. But the 28-year-old has some stupendous knocks for Team India in both ODI and T20I formats. His performance in the white-ball form has made sure that he stayed in contention.

After the awful performance at Adelaide, India is all set to make three or four changes in their playing XI. The next match gets underway on December 26 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. India is the current holder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, but it is going to be difficult for them to retain it.

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