Ravi Shastri Opens Up on Considering Virat Kohli for No. 4 Spot During 2019 World Cup
Former coach of the Indian cricket team, Ravi Shastri, has unveiled an interesting strategy he contemplated during the 2019 ODI World Cup. He considered the idea of placing Virat Kohli in the No. 4 batting position to add diversity to the lineup, which was predominantly top-order focused at the time.
Reflecting on Kohli’s performance in the No. 4 position, where he gathered an impressive 1767 runs at an average of 55.2, Shastri shared that his aim was to introduce adaptability among the top four positions.
Shastri stated, “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,” during a conversation on Star Sports’ Selection Day show.
He further added, “Because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so. Just for that experience… And if you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four.”
The debate surrounding the No. 4 position remains a recurring challenge in Indian cricket, a concern also faced during the 2019 ODI World Cup. Post the World Cup, India has experimented with 11 players in the No. 4 position in ODIs.
With the upcoming Cricket World Cup in less than two months, the No. 4 position has once again become a focal point of discussion. Given the injuries faced by players, Team India has encountered difficulties in finding the right fit throughout the year. Consequently, they are compelled to explore different players for the role.
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