Cricket

Wanted to play Virat Kohli at No.4 during 2019 World Cup: Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has claimed he wanted to play Virat Kohli at number four during the 2019 World Cup. India was at their best in the league stage but lost to New Zealand in the semifinals of the ODI showpiece.

Virat Kohli batted at number three and scored 443 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 55.38. Shastri revealed he wanted to bat Kohli at number four to break the top-heavy batting line-up.

Meanwhile, India was heavily reliant on the shoulders of their top three batters – Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli – during the previous ODI World Cup. While Rohit Sharma top-scored in the tournament with 648 runs in nine matches at an average of 81, KL Rahul amassed 361 runs in nine games at 45.12.

Ravi Shastri said on Star Sports’ Selection Day show: “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 [Prasad] 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 that experience… And if you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four,” said Shastri.

India’s over-reliance on the top three batters came to bite them as they could not recover after losing three early wickets in the all-important semifinal against the Kiwis.

Meanwhile, Kohli has batted at the No. 4 position in 42 matches in the 50-over format, scoring 1767 runs at an average of 55.21, including seven centuries.

The talisman has amassed 12898 runs in 275 ODI matches at an average of 57.32 and he is regarded as one of the best ODI batters of all time.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

DC-W vs MI-W WPL 2025 Final: Mumbai favourites with momentum on their side as DC-W look to succeed in third consecutive final

The Women’s Premier League 2025 final is here and these are two best teams in… Read More

March 14, 2025

Lakshya Sen Storms Into All England Open Quarter-Finals; Chirag-Satwik Withdraw Due to Injury

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run at the All England Open 2025,… Read More

March 14, 2025

Axar Patel Named Delhi Capitals Captain for IPL 2025

Delhi Capitals (DC) have appointed all-rounder Axar Patel as their new captain for the 2025… Read More

March 14, 2025

Kerala Blasters End Disappointing ISL Season, Shift Focus to Super Cup 2025

Kerala Blasters FC concluded their 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign on a frustrating note,… Read More

March 14, 2025

TG Purushothaman says conversion is the problem after draw against Hyderabad FC

Kerala Blasters FC interim head coach TG Purushothaman shared his disappointment after a 1-1 draw… Read More

March 14, 2025

Rafael Nadal says women should earn more if they generate more

Rafael Nadal believes women should earn more if they generate more profit. Nadal said men… Read More

March 14, 2025