While Kohli has been an exceptional player in the 50-over format, Shastri believes that he needs to adapt and evolve his game instead of relying solely on his tried-and-true approach.
The Indian cricket team suffered a bitter defeat in the semi-finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup against New Zealand. Throughout the tournament, one of the major concerns for Team India was the No. 4 position in the playing eleven. Former India coach Ravi Shastri recently disclosed that he had contemplated using Virat Kohli at this crucial spot during his tenure as head coach.
Shastri highlighted Kohli's impressive track record at number four, where the star Indian batsman had amassed 1767 runs at an outstanding average of 55.21, including seven centuries. Recognizing Kohli's versatility and willingness to adapt, Shastri aimed to create a flexible top four batting order, with Kohli ready to step in wherever the team required him.
“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,” Shastri said.
“Even in the previous two World Cups, when I was coach in 2019, I thought I might have discussed that with MSK as well of him batting at four just to break that top heavy line up,” he said.
“You know, because if we lost two or three at the top, we were gone and it was proved so just for reaching that the experience. And if you look at Virat Kohli’s record, he is good enough at number four,” said Shastri.
Former India wicket-keeper and batsman, MSK Prasad, who served as the chairman of selectors at the time, was present during the discussion. He confirmed Ravi Shastri's account and acknowledged that the then-head coach had indeed considered suggesting Virat Kohli to bat at No.4. However, this proposal did not materialize as Kohli, who was the captain of the Indian team at the time, opted to bat at his preferred No.3 position.
While Kohli has been an exceptional player in the 50-over format, Shastri believes that he needs to adapt and evolve his game instead of relying solely on his tried-and-true approach. The game has undergone significant changes, and Shastri feels that Kohli should take inspiration from players like Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith to further enhance his skills and performance.
"You've got to evolve with the game no matter how big a player you are. The same applies to Virat Kohli. There's no question about it. You watch around the world, look at players like Joe Root, Steve Smith for that matter Kane Williamson and Kohli himself at certain stages of his career, they all have had to evolve. There are innovations (happening every now and then). There are players who want to up the ante. There's a different template in place at the moment," he said.
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 "'I thought of sending Virat Kohli at...': Ravi Shastri reveals strategy as coach during 2019 World Cup")
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