ICC World Cup 2019: Three Players Who Can Bat at at no. 3 if Virat Kohli Bats at Four

The Indian National Cricket team – who had an exceptional time in 2018, will start the upcoming ICC World Cup as the title favourites. Virat Kohli & Co defeated South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand in their respective home to set the tone for the pinnacle event.

They have improved significantly, and their bowling department have made significant progress. Moreover, the inclusion of Mohammed Shami in the ODI team has strengthened their bowling attack. The bowlers have been able to bundle the opposition well before the 50 overs and quite easily in Test cricket.

However, they struggled with their shaky middle-order and are still struggling for the right combination. Despite trying several options, the results haven’t been confident enough. Indian coach, Ravi Shastri recently said that they could try skipper Kohli at number four to get rid of the limping middle-order.

Let us take a look at the three options who can bat at no three if Virat Kohli bats at four:

KL RAHUL

KL Rahul has finally stormed back to form after having a disastrous time in Australia. He went back to India A team and worked with Rahul Dravid to work on his game. And now, he has played two delightful knocks despite ending on the losing cause.

Rahul’s return to form will provide the team management with the agility to rotate their batting order and find the perfect combination. With a top-order batsman, the Karnataka batsman can bat at one drop; as a result, Virat Kohli can demote to no four – the batting position which has posed many problems for the Indian National Cricket team.

Rahul, when on song, can dispatch any bowling attack of the world. Kohli after the T20I series against Australia admitted that KL Rahul had made a strong case for himself ahead of the pinnacle show.

VIJAY SHANKAR

Following his terrific show in the domestic level, Shankar earned a call in the national squad. Although he took some time to settle down, Shankar has finally started to prove his worth in the top-most level.

Having made his debut earlier this year against Australia, Shankar has already shown his distinctive skills with both ball and bat. Virat Kohli & Co recently promoted him in the order in the subsequent series against New Zealand, and the Tamil Nadu all-rounder did a fair job to earn praise.

With his ability to pace his innings according to the situation, Vijay Shankar can surely be a possible option in the top-order. Moreover, he can also roll his hand and bowl some gentle medium pace whenever required.

AMBATI RAYUDU

Ambatu Rayudu has been batting at second drop since he made his return to the national setup after an outstanding stint in the IPL. Rayudu has come good at that position but has lacked consistency.

Meanwhile, Rayudu has shown that he can bat at the top-order during the cash-rich league. He has also shown mettle that he can dislodge the bowlers be it spinner or fast bowler with ease. As a result, if the management decides to promote him, it may help the team’s cause.

This will provide the team to send Virat Kohli at no four which can put an end to India’s middle-order woes. Rayudu will also be free to play his natural game and rotate the strike as one of the openers Rohit Sharma, or Shikhar Dhawan will be there at the other end to match up the scoring rate.