Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is of the opinion that Virat Kohli is the perfect choice to bat for the team at No.3 in the ICC World Cup but can look to drop down the order if the need arises.
Gavaskar said there is no need for the team management to protect the world’s best batsman in the lineup but if India lose any of the opener early on in a big run chase, then the team can think about sending Kohli in at No.4.
“The best batsman in the world needs no protection in the batting order. But sometimes you have to assess the conditions. There could be a lot of swing and movement in the air in England… and if the opposition makes over 350 and India lose the first wicket early, then Kohli could be protected and sent at No.4.
India have been having issues with the middle-order and are being looked at as a top-heavy unit. However, the good batting form of Ambati Rayudu, Kedar Jadhav and veteran MS Dhoni should give India confidence in the lead up to the much-anticipated tournament of the year.
“The good thing about this Indian top-three is we can separate them, if conditions and situations demand. Someone like Virat Kohli can go to number four, and we can put a good number three to bring more balance to the batting line-up. That’s flexibility for you, and for big tournaments like the World Cup, you have to be flexible to see what’s the best balance for the side. So we will decide that (accordingly in England).
“Maybe Rayudu, or someone else, could bat at number three, and Kohli comes in at number four. We wouldn’t want to disturb the opening combination. Separating the top-three could make the batting stronger,” Shastri had told
