Vikram Rathour reveals stunning details of how Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid plotted Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant's role

Vikram Rathour, batting coach of the Indian cricket team, has finally opened up about the strategic decisions behind the batting order reshuffle for Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024, amidst the debate over the former captain’s batting position.

The batting coach stressed that the Indian cricket team management made changes to maximize the team's performance based on player strengths and recent form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, where they have qualified for the Super-8 stage of the tournament.

Virat Kohli’s opening woes continue, while Rishabh Pant thrives at No. 3 in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Kohli, who traditionally bats at the No. 3 spot, was promoted to open the innings, and Rathour revealed that this decision was influenced by his stellar performance in the IPL 2024, where he scored 741 runs and won the Orange Cap. Given that, the Indian management believed that Kohli's proficiency against fast bowlers and his exceptional form would provide a solid start for the team.

Unfortunately, Kohli's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign began disastrously, scoring only five runs across three innings, including a golden duck against the USA. On the other hand, Rishabh Pant was elevated to the No. 3 position, a role he rarely played for Team India, but he was entrusted the role to counter the left-arm spinners, according to India’s batting coach.

Well, the strategy paid off handsomely, with Pant amassing 96 runs in his three innings so far, showcasing his ability to handle spin and providing the team with crucial runs in the middle order when they needed them the most in the group stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Meanwhile, Rathour revealed that the decision-making process involved extensive discussions within the team management, including the players' recent performances and their suitability against specific types of bowlers. Kohli's experience and success as an opener in the IPL 2024 made him a natural choice to open the innings, but this gamble has not yet achieved success.

On the other hand, Pant's promotion to No. 3 was a calculated move to neutralize the threat posed by opposition left-arm spinners. Rathour said that Pant’s aggressive style and left-handed batting stance were seen as advantageous in disrupting the spinners' rhythm and creating scoring opportunities. This decision has so far proven to be a masterstroke for India in the mega event.

Vikram Rathour unveils the inside story of India's batting strategy for T20 World Cup 2024

Rathour emphasized the importance of having a versatile batting lineup capable of adapting to different match situations and opposition strategies, saying the flexibility within the team allows for such bold decisions. He said that such calls are sometimes risky but can offer significant rewards.

Vikram Rathour said on Star Sports: “Our batting group has great versatility. After discussing with everyone, we concluded that Virat's best batting position would be to open. He is great against fast bowlers and came out of an excellent IPL season. As a group, we wanted a left-hander at No. 3 because if an opposition side starts with a left-arm spinner, we would have an advantage, and in Rishabh Pant, we found a perfect player who could take up that role. He actually showed that in the last 2-3 matches.”