3 Reasons why Virat Kohli shouldn't bat at No. 4 in the World Cup

The current Indian coach Ravi Shastri is known for his outlandish or over the top comments in his interviews. He’s often been in the spotlight for some of his comments. And once again, he has stolen all the spotlight with one comment on Virat Kohli.

In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Shastri was asked if there is a possibility of Virat Kohli batting at No. 4 (given India’s struggles with that slot in the last few years). The Indian head coach replied it is a possibility and Kohli could be batting at 4. He doesn’t want his best batsman to fall cheaply in a big World Cup game.

“Yes, maybe Rayudu, or someone else, could bat at number three, and Kohli comes in at number four. You don't want to be 18-3 or 16-4 in a big tournament. I don't care about bilateral ODIs, but why should I lose my best batsman early in a World Cup match (if the conditions are bowler friendly)?” This was Ravi comment when he was asked about the possibility of Kohli batting at No.4 in the World Cup.

However, there are a few reasons why the Indian skipper shouldn’t bat at No. 4 in the upcoming World Cup.

#3 Team’s best batsman needs to bat as many deliveries as possible

We’ve often heard experts and pundits say that the team’s best batsman has to bat as long as possible and has to face as many deliveries as possible, especially in the shorter formats. Virat Kohli is certainly the best batsman of India’s ODI side.

Hence, he can control the game batting at No. 3. He gets to face a large chunk of the overs and allows him to set the pace of the innings. Shifting down the order might just affect his tempo (may not happen but a possibility) and he might have to force the issue at times from the word go.

Thus, batting at 3 will also give him time to assess the conditions and set the tone (or rather pace) of the innings accordingly.