IND vs AUS-Virat Kohli Should be in New Role According to Ex Pakistan Batter Before Test 5th Match

As India prepares for the crucial fifth Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, discussions about Virat Kohli’s form and role in the team have taken center stage. Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has added fuel to the debate, suggesting that the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and the management consider reshuffling Kohli’s batting position to help him overcome his current slump. Ali’s proposition comes as the cricketing fraternity debates how best to rejuvenate the star batter's Test career.

Virat Kohli’s Form Under Scrutiny

Traditionally batting at No. 4 in India's order, Virat Kohli had been having a series against Australia. While Kohli made a century in the second Test at Perth, Kohli has hardly delivered since. Over the last three games, Kohli failed to make a half-century. Kohli had only 167 runs in four games at an average of 27.83.

A common area of concern for Kohli has been his inability to handle deliveries pitched well outside the off-stump. When he fails to read and adjust his game to such weaknesses, everybody starts baying for his blood. Nowhere was this weakness more evident than in a series where it was the stuff of collective despair.

Basit Ali Recommends Kohli to Bat at No. 5

Basit Ali, on his YouTube channel, suggested that Kohli should be shifted from No. 4 to No. 5 batting position. "He can play at No. 5," Ali said. "He can get the time and space to settle into his innings, adjust to the conditions, and regain his confidence.".

"Now is the time to promote Nitish Rana to No. 4 and push Virat Kohli down to No. 5. He's getting out to the same shot at No. 4, and he's not able to [play," Ali said. He indicated that Kohli should not be exempt from losing matches just because of his stature. "Perform nahi ho raha toh apna number toh neeche karo na. Rohit [Sharma] has changed his batting position; why is no one considering Virat? Everyone's scared of him.

Ali’s observations underline a broader issue in Indian cricket—hesitancy to address the challenges faced by senior players. This reluctance, he suggests, has contributed to Kohli’s prolonged struggles in Test cricket.

A Broader Concern: Kohli’s Decline in Tests

The ongoing series has exposed vulnerabilities in Kohli’s game that were previously masked by his remarkable consistency. The star batter, who once dominated the longest format, has experienced a significant dip in form over the past year. His Test average for 2024 was the lowest in five years, a statistic that has amplified concerns about his longevity in this format.

Kohli’s diminished output raises important questions about the demands of modern cricket and the toll it takes on players. Balancing formats, maintaining fitness, and meeting the expectations of millions of fans can be overwhelming. For Kohli, a player accustomed to setting high standards, this slump is both a personal and team challenge.

The Importance of No. 4 in Test Cricket

The No. 4 position in Test cricket is often reserved for the team's most dependable and technically sound batter. For years, Kohli embodied these qualities, delivering match-winning performances across the globe. However, as his form declines, the role's demands have become harder to meet.

Shifting Kohli to No. 5 could reduce the pressure on him to stabilize innings early on, especially when India loses quick wickets. It could also allow younger, in-form players like Nitish Rana to step up and take responsibility at No. 4. This strategic adjustment might provide the team with greater flexibility while giving Kohli the breathing room needed to find his rhythm.

Kohli’s Response and the Team’s Approach

It's time for Kohli and the team management to address the situation constructively before the Sydney Test. As for Gambhir, he has a direct and pragmatic approach to coaching. He would help the team maintain the right balance between supporting Kohli and the changes required to be made in the interest of the team.

While Kohli’s critics demand immediate results, it’s essential to remember his contributions to Indian cricket. One bad series does not define a player of his caliber. However, the team must prioritize collective goals over individual reputations, especially in high-stakes situations like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The Road Ahead for Kohli

The fifth Test offers Kohli a golden opportunity to silence his critics and remind the cricketing world of his capabilities. A significant performance in Sydney could not only help India secure a series victory but also reinstate Kohli’s confidence in his game.

If the suggested batting order reshuffle is implemented, Kohli’s new role could be a turning point. Moving to No. 5 might enable him to rediscover the balance between aggression and caution that once defined his game.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Kohli and India

Virat Kohli’s struggles in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy reflect the challenges faced by even the greatest players in adapting to the demands of modern cricket. Basit Ali’s proposal to alter Kohli’s batting position provides food for thought as India prepares for the Sydney Test.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Gambhir and the team management, who must weigh the pros and cons of such a change. Regardless of the outcome, Kohli’s response to this phase of his career will define his legacy as a Test cricketer. As India steps onto the field for the final Test, fans hope to see a rejuvenated Kohli leading the team with the same passion and determination that have made him one of the sport’s all-time greats.