17 August,2023 07:44 AM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Virat Kohli
Former India coach Ravi Shastri has revealed that he contemplated the idea of sending Virat Kohli into bat at the No. 4 position during the 2019 ODI World Cup to diversify the batting line-up, which was heavily skewed towards the top order back then.
Referring to Kohli's performance at the No. 4 position, where the star batter amassed 1,767 runs at an impressive average of 55.22, Shastri pointed out that his intention was to ensure adaptability in the top four positions.
"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 coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK [Prasad] as well of him batting at four just to break that top heavy line up," Shastri told Star Sports.
ALSO READ
See how Rohit, Gill and on-field umpire reacted to Virat Kohli's dismissal
IND vs BAN 1st Test: Bangladesh all out for 149 in first innings
Bumrah in lead role as India reduce Bangladesh to 112/8 at tea on Day 2
"You saw his magic just few months ago": Sarfaraz praises this Indian cricketer
"Seemed an inning without purpose": Former India cricketer on KL Rahul
"You know, because if we lose two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so. Just for that experience⦠and if you look at Kohli's record, he is good enough at No. 4," he added.
Also Read: Team India's 'Big Three' and the inevitability of succession
The dilemma of the No. 4 position is a recurring issue in Indian cricket, as the same challenge they encountered during the 2019 ODI World Cup. India have played 11 players at the No.4 position in ODIs since the end of the 2019 World Cup.
With less than two months to go for the Cricket World Cup, the No. 4 position is again a hot topic for debate. Due to the players getting injured, Team India have struggled to find the right fit throughout the year and are now left with no choice but to try different players.
1,767
No. of ODI runs scored by Virat Kohli at No. 4 in 39 innings @ 55.22
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
