Virat Kohli’s stature as a modern-day cricket legend and a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup is undisputed. His consistency and prowess at the No. 3 position in One Day Internationals (ODIs) have solidified his reputation as one of the best in the game. However, former India all-rounder and coach Ravi Shastri has shed light on an interesting consideration that emerged during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Ravi Shastri revealed that the idea of having Virat Kohli bat at the No. 4 position did cross his mind during the World Cup campaign. While Kohli’s performance and record at No. 3 are commendable, Shastri believed the team’s batting lineup could benefit from some flexibility. Shifting Kohli to No. 4 could potentially address the issue of having a top-heavy batting order, providing the team with more resilience in the face of early wickets.
It’s noteworthy that Kohli had previously batted at No. 4 during India’s victorious World Cup campaign in 2011 under the leadership of MS Dhoni. This adaptability is a testament to Kohli’s versatility and willingness to prioritize the team’s needs over individual preferences.
During an interview on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri explained his perspective on Kohli’s potential No. 4 role.
He highlighted the practicality of having Kohli occupy that position if the team’s dynamics demanded it. Shastri emphasized that, as the coach, he considered various strategies to ensure the team’s success, and Kohli’s exceptional record at No. 4 made it a viable option.
Shastri said, “If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four in the interest of the side. You know, there were times I thought of it. Even in the previous two World Cups, when I was a coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK as well of him batting at four just to break that top-heavy lineup.”
Shastri’s insights reveal the intricate decision-making process behind the scenes in cricket. The consideration to shift a player of Kohli’s stature to a different batting position demonstrates the importance of adaptability and the fluid nature of team composition. Shastri’s observation also underscores the team-first mentality essential for success in international cricket.
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Shastri added, “You know, because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone, and it was proved just for reaching that experience. And if you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four.”
Despite the contemplation, Kohli predominantly continued to bat at No. 3 in the 2019 World Cup, finishing the tournament with a commendable 443 runs and five fifties. His performance contributed to India’s campaign, even though they were knocked out in the semi-finals.
