Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sunil Gavaskar believes Virat Kohli should play the third Test against England at Trent Bridge even if he is 50 per cent fit. India are trailing 0-2 in the five-match series and a victory or draw in the third Test will keep them alive in the series. Kohli suffered the lower back pain during the Lordā€™s Test and batted in the second innings despite the pain.Ā Virat Kohliā€™s Message After Lordā€™s Test Failure Will Make You Believe in Team India Again!

Gavaskar has suggested that Kohli should play the Test as he is an important member of the side. ā€œThe morale of the team would be low if you are 0-2 down. If they play out of their skins, they can still win the next three Tests. It wonā€™t be easy to beat England. But the good news is that Virat is confident of playing in the next Test,ā€ Gavaskar told India Today.Ā IND vs ENG 3rd Test 2018: Rishabh Pant to Make Test Debut at Trent Bridge?

ā€œVirat Kohli has to assess his injury himself.. whether to take the risk or notā€¦But if I were the captain, I would want Kohli to play even if heā€™s 50 per cent fit. Heā€™s such a crucial element. He has to play unless he canā€™t bend or walk. At the end of the day, he has to decide how much pain can he bear. For me, Virat has to play,ā€ he added.

After the Lordā€™s Test, Kohli cited workload as a reason for his lower back issue. However, he is confident of playing the third Test and there is a considerable gap between the two matches. The third Test at Trent Bridge starts on August 18.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2018 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).