India in Sri Lanka: Kohli Should Bat at No.3, Prefer Rohit Over Pujara, Says Gavaskar

Rohit Sharma is likely to play at number three in the first Test against Sri Lanka beginning on Wednesday but Sunil Gavaskar feels India captain Virat Kohli should bat at the crucial position. (Prefer Mishra Over Harbhajan Because of Variety: Agarkar)

Before leaving for Sri Lanka, Kohli himself had hinted that Rohit will bat at number three instead of Cheteshwar Pujara.

"Rohit is a better choice over Pujara but I feel Virat should bat at No. 3. Ricky Ponting did that when he was captain, he didn't go down the order. Virat should come in at No. 3 and set the team's agenda for the rest," Gavaskar told NDTV. (After Crabs, Beaches, Table Tennis And Rain, It's Time For Serious Cricket)

India are expected to go in with five bowlers and as many specialist batsmen, along with wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, and Kohli stressed on the importance of taking 20 wickets. (Kumar Sangakkara Regrets Not Winning an ICC World Cup)

Though Sri Lanka will be under pressure, Gavaskar said it is important for India to start well in the three-Test series. (Ravi Shastri Says It's Time India Start Winning Away Tests)

"Don't lose the first Test. You always play catch-up after that. The Australia series (referring to Australia's loss in the Ashes) was a lesson.

"Having said that, Sri Lanka are vulnerable. There is pressure on them as they want to give Kumar Sangakkara a fitting farewell," said Gavaskar. ('Dinosaur' Kumar Sangakkara Happy to Say Goodbye)

It will be Kohli's first full series as Test captain. India have not won a series in Sri Lanka for the last 22 years.

"Aggression mixed with practicality is acceptable. I think that will be critical for India," he added. (Murali Vijay Rules Out)