Kohli is the solution to India's No 4 concerns, says Shastri

17.08.2023 - 06:59 channelnewsasia.com

NEW DELHI : Fielding Virat Kohli at number four could address India's long-standing concerns about a settled batter at that crucial position, former coach Ravi Shastri has said.Since 2017, India have tried a dozen players at that position but none could nail down the place, which skipper Rohit Sharma called "an issue" ahead of the home World Cup in October-November.Kohli has amassed the lion's share of his 12,898 runs, which include 39 hundreds, batting at number three in 212 of his 275 innings.In his 42 appearances at number four, Kohli averaged 55.21, slightly below his overall 57.32, and has scored seven hundreds.Shastri, who was coach of the India team when Kohli was captain, and lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, said those were impressive numbers for a number four batter."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," Shastri told Star Sports channel.Shastri said during the 2019 World Cup, he considered changing Kohli's place "just to break that top heavy line-up"."You know, because if we lose two or three at the top, we are gone and it was proved.""If you look at Virat Kohli's record, he is good enough at number four."Shreyas Iyer looked the part at number four, scoring both his one-day hundreds from that position, but is recovering after back surgery.A fit-again Jasprit Bumrah will lead a second-string India in a three-match T20 series in Ireland beginning in Dublin on Friday.A sterner test for Rohit's team awaits in the Asia Cup, which begins in Multan on Aug.

Sporting record Rohit Sharma Asia Cup Ravi Shastri Star Ireland New Zealand India Sri Lanka

The Asia Cup 2023 is just round the corner and even after the 17-member squad was officially announced, questions remain over who will bat at No. 4 for the Indian cricket team. From Suryakumar Yadav to KL Rahul to Shreyas Iyer, a number of names have been suggested by both fans and experts in the recent past. However, some believe that it can be Virat Kohli who will change his batting position in order to provide solidity to the middle order. Former South Africa star AB De Villiers was in favour of such a move and in a recent interaction, he said that Kohli at No. 4 can be 'perfect' for Team India.

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Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket team's star batter, is getting ready for the tough cricket schedule ahead in the best possible way. Starting September 2, India will embark on a mission to first win the Asia Cup and then attempt to overcome other top teams in a quest for the ODI World Cup at home. The Indian cricket team members are currently stationed in Karnataka for a camp ahead of the Asia Cup. The players are going through several fitness and blood tests to get the house in order in the best way possible.

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The Indian cricket team will start its journey in the 2023 Asia Cup with a blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on 2nd September at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka. The BCCI has selected a 17-member squad for the tournament with several top players making a comeback to the 50-over format after long injury lay-offs. Former BCCI selector Saba Karim shared his optimism about the squad and the returning players and said that the Asia Cup will be the perfect preparation for India ahead of the ICC World Cup, which begins in October later this year.

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Virat Kohli, the ex-Indian cricket team captain, was a passionate one when he was at the helm of the side. He put extra focus on fitness and fast bowlers' line-up. Kohli, the batter, is among the modern day greats. With 76 tons, Kohli is only second to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of international centuries. But what about Kohli, the bowler? For the record he has four wickets each in ODI and T20Is. In first-class cricket too he has three wickets.

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Veteran Indian cricket team spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has supported former head coach Ravi Shastri's suggestion that star batter Virat Kohli can end up batting at No. 4 if the team composition demands for it. Questions remain over the No. 4 batting position ahead of ICC World Cup 2023 with both KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer both recovering from injuries and Tilak Varma making a name for himself with brilliant knocks against West Indies. Ashwin said that apart from Kohli, India can end up playing a left-hander in the position or experiment with wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan.

Not KL Rahul Or Shreyas Iyer, Ravi Shastri Picks Surprise No. 4 Batter For India At Asia Cup

The No. 4 conundrum remains one India's biggest headaches, going into the Asia Cup 2023. While KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer are capable of delivering at the spot, they haven't played cricket for a long time. Due to their lack of match practice, India's options for the No. 4 spot are limited. Assessing the current situation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri suggested Virat Kohli's name for the spot. Shastri even revealed that he had suggested Kohli's name for the same spot in the 2019 ODI World Cup too.