As the cricketing world gears up for another thrilling edition of the ODI World Cup, an age-old question resurfaces for the Indian team: who should occupy the crucial No. 4 batting position? With less than two months remaining until the tournament’s commencement, speculations are rife, and an unexpected suggestion has emerged—could Virat Kohli, India’s batting maestro, be the solution?
The conundrum of India’s No. 4 position is not new. The team faced similar challenges during the 2019 World Cup, struggling to identify a reliable batter for this pivotal role. While talents like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are in contention, concerns regarding their fitness persist.
Amidst this dilemma, former Indian cricketer and ex-head coach Ravi Shastri has put forth the notion that Virat Kohli, traditionally a No. 3 batsman, could potentially fill the No. 4 gap. This proposition finds agreement from esteemed figures like Sunil Gavaskar and Tom Moody.
However, Sanjay Manjrekar, another former cricketer, offers a contrasting viewpoint. He asserts that Kohli is unfairly becoming a ‘scapegoat’—an easy solution to all of India’s batting concerns. “You bat him at No. 4 and all your problems are solved,” Manjrekar stated. He draws a parallel to a similar experiment with Sachin Tendulkar during the 2007 ODI World Cup, where Tendulkar’s shift to No. 4 proved unsuccessful, resulting in India’s premature exit from the tournament’s group stage.
Manjrekar raises a cultural aspect of Indian cricket, recalling the controversy surrounding Tendulkar’s positional change in 2007. Tendulkar, a renowned opener, was placed in the middle-order, which led to debates and discontent within the team. He emphasizes that such decisions hinge on the player’s comfort and strategic considerations. “It is really up to Kohli, an iconic player, on whether he wants to bat at No. 4,” Manjrekar noted.
Former cricketer Dodda Ganesh joins the discourse, firmly opposing the idea of Kohli at No. 4. Ganesh contends that a team’s best batter should occupy their customary position, where success has been established. He cautions against repeating history, referencing the Tendulkar experiment that backfired in the 2007 World Cup.
As the cricket fraternity engages in this spirited debate, the final decision rests on Kohli himself. His role in the team is pivotal, and his comfort and confidence are paramount. With the World Cup on the horizon, the Indian team’s batting lineup remains a topic of intrigue and speculation, echoing the timeless uncertainties of cricket—a game of strategy, adaptation, and continuous evolution.
