Published: Jan 24, 2015, 05:21 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 24, 2015, 05:21 PM (IST)
Virat Kohli hasn’t really clicked at the number four position in the ongoing tri-series in Australia. However cricket legend Sir Viv Richards feels that the cricketer should continue to bat in that position if the team requires.
The current tri-series is a dress-rehearsal for the World Cup starting next month and Kohli, who has batted at number four has managed only nine and four in the two innings he has played so far.
Richards, who himself batted at number four for the major part of his career, added, “I believe number four is quite a good position for any good batsman.”
Kohli is one of the best contemporary batsmen at the moment and his skills have impressed many, and his batting has even drawn comparisons with the great Ricky Ponting. Kohli’s performances over the years has even made Richards one his biggest admirers. The West Indian legend, who is believed to be one of the greatest batsmen of the game, has earlier said that he sees a lot of himself in Kohli.
As reported by Cricketcountry, Richards further explained the reason on why he thought Virat is the best bet at number four, as he said, “There are always some people who say that your best player should come in at number three. But it is tough to say these things from the outside and you don’t know the team situation and you have to consider the conditions as well that are also an obvious factor here.”
“In Australia and New Zealand you can lose wickets quickly and with Virat at three, he might be vulnerable. Coming in at number four, he will have a better perspective of the innings going forward. Whether batting first or chasing, he will know the requirements and bat accordingly.”
The West Indian legend however feels that Kohli is good enough to bat at any position and win matches and said, “If Virat is feeling comfortable batting in that position, then it is good for their team. Because, personally, I feel Virat is good enough to bat almost anywhere, at whichever spot in the batting order. I guess Virat feels he is of more use to the team at number four. And it is all about the team, not any personal individual, however good he is. It is about the contribution he can make to the team coming in at number four.”
Kohli has scored 14 of his 21 One-Day International (ODI) hundreds at number three, but however he batted at number four position in the 2011 World Cup and played some very crucial knocks, including the one in the final where he built up the platform for the chase along with Gautam Gambhir.
