Why Virat Kohli must bat at number three

Tags: Australia Tri-Series, 2014-15, India, Virat Kohli

Published on: Jan 23, 2015

India have adopted somewhat strange tactics in the first two one-day internationals of the ongoing tri-series in Australia. Virat Kohli their best batsman in the Tests

India have adopted somewhat strange tactics in the first two one-day internationals of the ongoing tri-series in Australia. Virat Kohli their best batsman in the Tests, and unarguably one of the finest one-day players in the history of the game has been batting at number four down from his previous number three position. Ajinkya Rahane batted at number three at Melbourne against Australia when Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma opened the innings. At Gabba as well, Ambati Rayudu was sent in ahead of Kohli though Rahane opened with Dhawan in Rohit’s absence.


Dhoni’s explanation over Kohli batting at number four is that it strengthens the middle order batting since India’s lower order is not that competent as was evident in the Test series. While the latter is true, one of the other reasons why Kohli is not batting at number three might be because India are worried that if he gets out early against the moving ball, it would put excessive pressure on the team. In a way they are protecting him from getting out early in the middle. It is ironic though since it is always said that in ODIs that your best batsman must get most overs.


The problem for India in relation to Kohli is much more to do than strengthening the lower order. They realise by now that the opening position is a massive problem for them with Dhawan’s continuous failures. Thus, if Kohli bats at number three, he invariably might come in the first five overs of the match, when the ball is relatively new. And the word going around is that this might not be the ideal scenario for Kohli to bat. May be if the openers bat out the first 12-15 overs, the situation could be perfect for Kohli.


While one can understand Team India’s worries over Kohli, he should bat at number three considering that he is the side’s best batsman, and has proved his worth at that position over the years. Yes, things will be tougher if he has to come into bat early in the innings, but that is a challenge he must take up to prove his worth further in international cricket. Australia is one of the toughest places to succeed for players from the sub-continent. Kohli has done so wonderfully well so far, but he must not be shielded just so that he can get easier conditions to bat on.


By having Kohli bat lower down the order, the Indians are giving him less overs to build a total. He has the ability to take on the Aussies and Englishmen irrespective of the conditions, and by giving him lesser overs to play, India are actually playing into the opponents’ hands. Yes, there is a great chance of him being dismissed early if he bats one-down. At the same time, with his aggressive style of batting he could also put the team in command if his strokeplay comes off. This is a punt India must take if they want to do well in the World Cup.


--By A Cricket Analyst

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