Former India coach Ravi Shastri has suggested that placing Virat Kohli at the number four position in the batting order might provide a solution to India’s persistent struggle in finding a consistent player for that pivotal spot.
Over the years, India has experimented with numerous players in this role, but none have been able to firmly establish themselves, a concern acknowledged by captain Rohit Sharma in light of the upcoming home World Cup in October-November.
Kohli, with his impressive record of 12,898 runs and 39 centuries, has predominantly batted at number three in 212 out of his 275 innings. While his performance at number four, with an average of 55.21, is slightly below his overall average of 57.32, he has still managed to accumulate seven centuries in his 42 appearances in that position.
While serving as the coach of the Indian team during Kohli’s captaincy and the semi-final loss to New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup, Ravi Shastri acknowledged that Kohli’s statistics as a number four batsman were indeed remarkable.
Speaking on the Star Sports channel, Shastri remarked, “In consideration of the team’s welfare, if it’s beneficial for Virat to bat at number four, he will willingly take on that position. I’ve contemplated this approach at various junctures.”
During the 2019 World Cup, Shastri disclosed that he contemplated altering Kohli’s batting position with the intention of diversifying the top-heavy batting lineup.
He stated, “Our vulnerability emerged when we lost a couple of early wickets, leaving us quite exposed, as events proved.”
Shreyas Iyer appeared promising at number four, achieving both his one-day centuries from that position. However, he is presently in recovery mode following back surgery.
Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah, now fully recovered, will lead a second-string Indian squad in a three-match T20I series against Ireland, set to commence in Dublin on Friday, 18th August.
A more challenging trial awaits Rohit Sharma’s team in the Asia Cup 2023, set to kick off in Multan on August 30, albeit India’s matches will take place in Sri Lanka.
