Virat Kohli’s form may have taken a hit since dropping to number four in the batting order, but West Indian legend Sir Viv Richards feels the marauding cricketer should continue in the position if that is what the Indian team requires. Excerpts.
On Kohli’s batting spot
On these bouncy Australian wickets, there will always be some batsmen who are going to get outdone by that, especially early in the order. It makes sense to have Virat Kohli bat at number four in such a scenario then because he can dictate terms whatever situation the match is in. In Australia and New Zealand you can lose wickets quickly and with Virat at three, he might be vulnerable. Coming in at number four, he will have a better perspective of the innings going forward. Whether batting first or chasing, he will know the requirements and bat accordingly.
As the best batsman of the side, you want him to play more overs. But he also has to be comfortable doing the job for you. If Virat is feeling comfortable batting in that position, then it is good for their team. Because, personally, I feel Virat is good enough to bat almost anywhere, at whichever spot in the batting order.
I guess Virat feels he is of more use to the team at number four. And it is all about the team, not any personal individual, however good he is. It is about the contribution he can make to the team coming in at number four. He has been fairly successful doing it at number four, so I think it’s a good place to be and I think will bring balance to the Indian batting order as he can dictate terms in a big way.
This move has also been necessitated by the failure of Ajinkya Rahane and Ambati Rayudu to make the number four spot their own, when they were afforded opportunities in the past calendar year.
On Indian batting
India has enough good batsmen in their line-up. Rohit Sharma is good when on song. Shikhar Dhawan is an attacking player who has been struggling a little off-late and then Ajinkya Rahane at three. They have been tried and tested and they have done well.
Fifty overs is a long time and you are playing on wickets that will always give assistance to seamers. There will be added bounce so you want your best player at the crease when he should be able to dictate terms. If the Indian team feels so and more importantly, if Virat feels this is what the team requires, then he should continue to bat number four.