‘He will bat at four in the interest of the side’ – Ravi Shastri opens up on contemplating Virat Kohli for no. 4 position during 2019 ODI World Cup

Former attacking India batsman and head coach, Ravi Shastri recently revealed how he wanted to fix the number four spot in the ODI team with the legendary India batsman and aggressive cricketer, Virat Kohli. On the Star Sports Selection Day, held on 15 August, Tuesday, Ravi Shastri, talked about Virat batting at number four in ODI World Cup 2019, in England.  

Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli and Head Coach Ravi Shastri, the Indian cricket team reached the knockout semi-finals of the marquee tournament, where they, unfortunately, lost the game to New Zealand by 18 runs. While chasing a new target of 240 runs, the Indian top batting order collapsed and fell for 5/3 ass, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli lost their wickets for a single each. 

Ravi Shastri on Virat Kohli’s experience in the team 

Ravi Shastri recalled how he often thought about discussing this thought with MSK Prasad as well, to make Virat Kohli bat at number four. Virat Kohli is one of the most experienced and attacking batsmen in the Indian cricket batting lineup, and his presence in the middle order will give the team to be back an experienced player, even if the top order collapses. 

“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. Even in the previous two World Cups, when I was the coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK as well of him batting at four just to break that top-heavy lineup.”

“You know, because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so just for reaching that experience. And if you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four,”