In a surprising turn of events, Virat Kohli found himself back in the familiar territory of the number three position during the first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. This marked the first time in eight years that Kohli had taken on this role in the Test format, his last appearance at number three dating back to 2016 against the West Indies in Gros Islet.
The decision to reinstate Kohli at number three has sparked a wave of discussions among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. It raises questions about the rationale behind this strategic shift and its potential impact on India’s batting order. While Kohli’s exceptional batting prowess is undeniable, his previous record at number three hasn’t been as stellar, with only six innings under his belt and a modest average of 19.40. His highest score at this position was 41, leaving room for debate about the effectiveness of this move.
Despite the relatively limited experience at number three, Kohli’s return to this spot reflects a tactical adjustment by the Indian team management. With Shubman Gill sidelined due to an injury, Sarfaraz Khan stepped in as his replacement. This change in the batting lineup necessitated a reshuffle, leading to Kohli’s return to the number three position.
The reasons behind this decision are yet to be fully understood. Some speculate that it might be a temporary measure to fill the void left by Gill, while others believe it could be a strategic move to strengthen the middle order. It remains to be seen whether Kohli’s return to number three will be a short-lived experiment or a long-term strategy for the Indian team.
Only time will tell if this tactical shift will prove to be a game-changer for India. Kohli’s performance at number three will be closely monitored as fans and analysts eagerly await the outcome of this bold decision.