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Former batsman Mohammad Kaif has suggested that the Indian team management should consider moving Virat Kohli back to the number 3 position to maximize his chances of scoring runs.

Initially, Kohli was chosen to open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma by the Indian management, led by Rahul Dravid. This decision stemmed from Kohli’s outstanding performances as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2024 season, where he amassed over 700 runs, marking only the second time in his IPL career. Notably, IPL 2024 also witnessed Kohli achieving his highest strike rate ever, exceeding 150, with a noteworthy 117-run knock against the Rajasthan Royals, and he also scored 741 runs, including five half-centuries.

Expectations were high for Kohli in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, where he continued to open the innings in three matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. However, the tournament hasn’t unfolded as anticipated for him and the Indian team. Kohli has only managed to score 5 runs across these matches.

With just the game against Canada remaining in the group stages, Kohli faces pressure to regain form swiftly, as there won’t be much time for him to find his rhythm once the group stage concludes. Kaif’s recommendation suggests a strategic shift to help Kohli rediscover his batting prowess.

Mohammad Kaif recently shared his views on Virat Kohli’s batting position, advocating for Kohli to return to his traditional spot at number 3. Kaif expressed his observations after witnessing Kohli’s struggles as an opener in the challenging conditions of the USA.

Kaif emphasized Kohli’s proficiency when batting at number 3, stating that he excels in this position. According to Kaif, batting at number 3 allows the batsman sufficient time to assess the match situation and the playing conditions before stepping onto the field. Kaif believes Kohli possesses the expertise to effectively utilize this time and adapt accordingly, making him an ideal candidate for the number 3 position.

“See what are the benefits of coming at number 3? The biggest benefit is that you can sit from the dugout and analyze the game – what the bowler is trying to do, how the pitch is behaving and Virat Kohli is a master in that. In my view, Virat Kohli should come to bat at number 3. He has opened in these seaming conditions, batting hasn’t been easy,” Mohammad Kaif said.

In the same video, Mohammad Kaif seemingly criticized Virat Kohli for his tendency to score runs primarily on flat Indian batting pitches in the IPL. Kaif suggested that Kohli may struggle in conditions different from those encountered in the IPL, where the pitches are typically more conducive to batting. Kaif remarked, “Virat Kohli has accumulated many runs in the IPL on flat tracks, but here, the conditions are entirely different. In such conditions, he must prioritize preserving his wicket, a task he has successfully managed from the number 3 position.”