Senior India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the suggestion made by former head coach Ravi Shastri of batting Virat Kohli at number 4 in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023 and the following World Cup 2023.
Earlier, Shastri had opined that if India lose early wickets, including that of Virat Kohli, then the game could be effectively out of India’s reach, as was the case in the 2019 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand where India slipped to 5/3 and were all but out of the chase.
Shastri asserted that Kohli can control the game from number 4 as he does from number 3 and batting at number 4 would shield him from early wickets.
The former head coach also pointed out that Kohli has good numbers while batting at number 4 as well – in 42 matches, he averages an impressive 55 with 7 centuries
Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in that World Cup 2011: R Ashwin
In his YouTube video, R Ashwin talked about this topic and was quick to point out that Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in the 2011 World Cup behind Tendulkar, Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and did well.
Ashwin, though, also mentioned that Kohli can be pushed to number 4 only if India are without KL Rahul, then India would bring in Ishan Kishan as an opener.
“Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in that World Cup [2011]. In fact, Ravi Bhai has mentioned that, if necessary, Virat Kohli should bat at number 4. I think he mentioned that so that we can accommodate a left-hander,” R Ashwin said.
“The only way that can happen is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit, and when they need a keeper, they can open with Ishan Kishan. That’s the only possibility because Shreyas Iyer is one of the go-to players for Team India in ODIs as a batter.”
The BCCI selectors will be announcing the Asia Cup squad and the preliminary World Cup squad on Monday. They are waiting for more clarity on the fitness of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer.
