Former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri with Virat Kohli
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri shared intriguing insights about strategic batting choices, particularly focusing on the role of Virat Kohli within the team. Reflecting on the past, Shastri revealed he had contemplated suggesting Kohli to bat at No.4 during the 2019 ODI World Cup to reinforce the middle-order.
Shastri’s reflections emerged during a discussion centered around Kohli’s batting position in the current ODI squad.
Renowned as one of the finest No.3 batters in ODIs, Kohli’s consistent performance in that slot has been a hallmark of his cricketing journey spanning over a decade.
Kohli, Kishan, and Shifting Dynamics
Amidst this backdrop, Shastri offered a thought-provoking perspective. He suggested that while Kohli’s expertise at No.3 is unquestionable, there might be room for flexibility in the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.
Shastri emphasized the potential of Ishan Kishan as a first-choice keeper and opener, which would necessitate strategic adjustments involving Kohli, captain Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill.
Shastri’s proposal involves Rohit’s adaptability across the top four positions, allowing him to tailor his batting role according to the team’s needs. However, Shastri acknowledged that transitioning Gill into the middle-order might pose challenges.
Kohli, Kishan, and Shifting Dynamics
Positioning Kohli at No.4, Shastri highlighted, “If Virat has to bat at four, he will bat at four for the team.” This sentiment reinforces the collaborative spirit that defines successful teams.
Interestingly, Shastri disclosed that he had previously contemplated a similar tactical move during his tenure as the head coach, aiming to diversify India’s batting lineup during the World Cup.
“There were times when I thought of it even in the previous two World Cups. I might have discussed that with MSK of him batting at four, just to break that top-heavy line-up. If we lost two or three at the top, we were gone. And it was proved so just for breaking that, you need experience,” Shastri.
Former India keeper-batter MSK Prasad, who served as the chairman of selectors during Shastri’s tenure, corroborated the coach’s recollections, confirming that Kohli batting at No.4 had indeed been a consideration.
Shastri’s advice to Kohli extended beyond batting order adjustments.
Shastri’s Vision: Evolving in a Changing Cricket Landscape
He encouraged Kohli to evolve with the game’s changing dynamics, citing examples of Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith, who have embraced evolution as a key aspect of their cricketing journeys.
Shastri emphasized that cricket is constantly evolving, and players need to adapt to new challenges and innovations that shape the modern game.
In essence, Shastri’s insights resonate with the need for strategic adaptation and evolution, even for established players like Kohli, in order to stay at the forefront of contemporary cricket’s ever-evolving landscape.
