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Ravi Shastri’s revelation about considering Virat Kohli for No. 4 during the 2019 ODI World Cup turned heads. The former India head coach had concerns about a top-heavy batting line-up. An early tumble of wickets was Shastri’s nightmare, which materialized in the semi-final against New Zealand. That day, India found itself reeling at 5/3, chasing 240. Despite the brave resistance from the tail-enders, they lost by a heartbreaking 18 runs.
During this discussion, Shastri vouched for Kohli’s flexibility. He shared with Star Sports, “If the team demands, Virat will step into No. 4.” For most of his career, Kohli solidified the No. 3 position in ODIs. But what does the record say about his outings at No. 4?
Let’s delve into the numbers. Virat, in his prolific career, has donned the No. 4 jersey 42 times in ODIs. From these matches, he’s accumulated a whopping 1767 runs, averaging a commendable 55.21. This slot saw him crafting seven centuries. Among those, his unbeaten 139 against Sri Lanka in Ranchi in 2014 stands tall. Additionally, cricket aficionados can’t forget his scintillating 133* off 86 balls against Sri Lanka in Hobart, 2012. Both knocks were while stationed at No. 4. However, post-2018, Kohli at No. 4 became rare. He scored modestly, with 7 and 16 against Australia in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Virat Kohli at No. 4 in ODIs: A Gamble Worth Taking?
Post Yuvraj Singh, India’s No. 4 slot remains contentious. Shreyas Iyer has shown promise, with 805 runs from 20 innings, averaging 47.35. Two centuries and five half-centuries stand as testimonials. Yet, his recent injury raises questions about his participation in upcoming tournaments. Another contender, KL Rahul, faces fitness concerns. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav’s brief ODI stint doesn’t offer substantial insights to the selectors.
Considering this, might Kohli be the answer to the No. 4 conundrum? The ace batsman’s adaptability is undeniable. Moreover, with the vast experience he brings, he could provide the middle-order solidity India has been yearning for. On the other side, shifting him might disrupt the balance at the top.
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The prospect of Kohli batting at No. 4 intrigues. It could be a masterstroke or a misadventure. Yet, it’s a gamble that might be worth the risk, given the stakes of upcoming tournaments. As we eagerly await decisions, only time can unfurl the mystery of Kohli’s ODI position.
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