'He will get another hundred': Former India captain backs Virat Kohli during BGT 2024-25 3rd Test

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly backed ace batter Virat Kohli to score another century in the remainder of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Kohli has been criticized for his poor recent Test form despite a century in the second innings of the series opener in Perth.

The 36-year-old entered the Australian series after averaging under 16 in India's 0-3 home series whitewash against New Zealand. Apart from the Perth ton, Kohli has failed in the other four innings of the ongoing series with an average of 6.50 and a highest score of 11.

Speaking to India Today during the third Test in Brisbane, Ganguly said about Kohli's struggles:

"Virat Kohli is getting out. He has to leave the ball. He probably needs to be a bit more patient because they will keep bowling to him outside the off stump, outside the off stump. But I am sure he will score runs. He scored a century in the first Test, and by the time the series finishes, he will get another hundred."

Kohli has historically delivered the goods in Tests down under, evidenced by his average of almost 51 with seven centuries in 16 outings.

With the Brisbane Test almost finished (play ongoing on Day 5), the stylish batter will have two more matches in Melbourne and Sydney to turn his poor form around.

"Rohit can also bat at number three, but that’s his decision" - Sourav Ganguly

Australia v India - Men's 3rd Test Match: Day 4 - Source: Getty

Sourav Ganguly felt struggling skipper Rohit Sharma sacrificed his opening position to the in-form KL Rahul was his call but suggested Rohit could bat at No.3.

Rahul played a key role in India's Perth Test win with a double-century opening stand with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the second innings. It meant Rohit batting at No.6 since his return in the second Test, with Rahul continuing at the top.

"Sacrificing his batting position for KL Rahul, that’s Rohit Sharma’s call. KL Rahul is in form, that’s why he is not tinkering with him, but I am sure Rohit can also bat at number three, but that’s his decision," said Ganguly.

He added:

"I don’t know the reason behind Rohit Sharma not playing as an opener. Many times, when you bat at number six, you have to face the new ball. I have batted at number six for India. Most of the time, you have to play the second new ball. I think, as he is an opener, he is batting at number six because he has to face the second new ball."

Unfortunately for Rohit, his struggles in Tests in Australia continued in the ongoing series as he averaged a dismal 6.33 in three innings.

Meanwhile, Rahul has flourished at the top, leading India in run-scoring with 231 runs at an average of 46.20 in five innings.