Ravichandran Ashwin explains the possibility of Virat Kohli batting at No.4 in World Cup 2023

Indian all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has joined the bandwagon on discussion around No. 4 spot.

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri recently revealed that he was willing to use Virat Kohli at No. 4 in the Indian middle order during the World Cup 2019. Shastri also added that Virat Kohli can be an option for India in the upcoming World Cup 2023 at number 4. Shreyas Iyer’s fitness has prompted selectors to look out for options for the big event in the next two months.

Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, and Suryakumar Yadav are in contention for the seat. Now, Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted to Ravi Shastri’s suggestion and explained how Virat can be used as No. 4 in the Indian middle order.

Ravichandran Ashwin explains the possibility

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin explained that in case KL Rahul doesn’t get fit and team India is forced to open with Ishan Kishan, then Virat Kohli can be given the number 4 spot. Ashwin, in his Youtube channel, said, "Virat Kohli batted at number 4 in that World Cup (2011). Ravi bhai has mentioned that, if necessary, Virat Kohli should bat at number 4."

"I think he mentioned that so that we can accommodate a left-hander. The only way that happens is if KL Rahul doesn’t get fit, and when they need a keeper, they can open with Ishan Kishan. That’s the only possibility because Shreyas Iyer is one of the go-to players for Team India in ODIs as a batter." said the Indian bowler.

Virat Kohli has been India’s star performer in the No. 4 position whenever he has had the opportunity to bat. He batted in 39 one-day innings in that position and has scored 1767 runs at an average of 55.21, he also smashed seven centuries. Kohli was India’s mainstay in the middle order in the 2011 World Cup and played a pivotal role in India’s winning campaign.

It looks highly unlikely that Indian management under Rohit and Rahul will give Kohli another go in the No. 4 position. Team India had a similar situation in the 2019 World Cup as well, where they ditched Ambati Rayudu in the last moment after continuing with him for a long time and picked Vijay Shankar as a replacement.