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'No. 4 Good, But At No. 3...,' Ex-Indian Star On Virat Kohli Ahead of Asia Cup

image-llw67w9dVirat Kohli will be a key batter for India in Asia Cup 2023 (Twitter)

Ahead of the Asia Cup and the World Cup, the big question of who will bat at number 4 has resurfaced again. Opinions have been coming in from various experts on the debated topic. Recently, former cricketer and head coach of India, Ravi Shastri, and former South African cricketer Ab de Villiers, said that Kohli could be the number 4 batsman for India.

Commenting on the suggestion by the likes of Shastri and de Villiers, former India opener Aakash Chopra said that Kohli should not be moved from his number 3 spot, where he has scored the bulk of his runs. 

In 210 ODI innings, the top order batsman has amassed over 10,000 runs at number 3 at an average of 60. However, his stats at number four are not bad either - he has scored 1767 runs in 39 innings at an impressive average of 55 at the number four spot. Chopra, however, feels that Kohli should continue batting at number 3 only.

“There are two parameters to judge this. First, Virat Kohli’s success at No. 4 is good, but at No. 3 it’s exceptional. A significant sample size reinforces this and his peak equals India’s best. Hopes rest on his tournament performance – if he does well, India benefits; otherwise, a middle-order gap looms. Kohli’s effectiveness shines at No. 3, tackling new balls and closing games. Retaining this is vital."


“Just because he has the ability to bat at No. 4 shouldn’t mean that he should play there."

Chopra also feels that Sanju Samson should be the backup for KL Rahul, who will not be playing at least India's first two matches due to a niggle. Chopra feels that Sanju Samson is a middle order batter and he should be brought in as a replacement if KL Rahul is not available to perform the specific role.

“If KL Rahul is unavailable, Ishan Kishan’s placement becomes key. Sanju Samson can also replace him as a travel reserve – I am assuming without Rahul, Sanju Samson can enter the team. Given a No. 5 batter is needed, selection should be based on that specific condition. Samson, a middle-order batsman and keeper, should be the backup."

India is set to play their opening game of Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan on September 2 at Pallekele.