India has cruised through to the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup 2024, winning against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. However, one issue troubles fans: Virat Kohli’s performance. Kohli, who was stellar in IPL 2024 with 741 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has only scored five runs in three World Cup matches, including a golden duck against the USA.
As India prepares to face Canada on Saturday in Lauderhill, Florida, there is debate over whether Kohli should move back to his original No. 3 position. This could help him regain form before the crucial Super Eight matches next week.
Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar advises against this change. He believes it could disrupt the current batting order, where Rishabh Pant at No. 3, Suryakumar Yadav at No. 4, and Shivam Dube at No. 5 have settled in well. “Changing Kohli’s position now could unsettle the others,” Bangar warned. “Pant, Dube, and Yadav have settled well. The batting order is stable.”
On the other hand, former T20 World Cup winner Sreesanth supports Kohli’s return to No.3. He believes Pant, who has scored 96 runs in three matches, can adapt to different positions and situations.
“Pant can adapt anywhere” Sreesanth said. “He’s a brilliant player. I think he would be happy if Virat goes to No. 3. Pant doesn’t worry about the situation, he just focuses on the ball. Imagine the freedom Pant would have if Kohli comes before him. He might even hit a reverse sweep on the first ball.”
