IND vs NZ 1st Test: Why Virat Kohli Batted at No. 3? Rohit Sharma Explains the Failed Strategy

IND vs NZ Test : India’s first Test against New Zealand in 2024 took an unexpected turn when skipper Rohit Sharma made the bold decision to send Virat Kohli in at No. 3, a move that quickly backfired as Kohli departed for a duck. This decision, coupled with other tactical missteps, led to one of India’s worst Test collapses, getting bowled out for just 46 runs in Bengaluru.

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India’s struggles began early when Rohit Sharma opted to bat first on a damp, overcast Bengaluru morning. After relentless rain had washed out the first day, the decision to face New Zealand’s potent seam attack raised eyebrows. However, the most startling moment came when Virat Kohli walked out to bat at No. 3, a position he had rarely occupied in his Test career.

Kohli, who has an underwhelming average of 16.16 when batting at No. 3, was promoted up the order in place of Shubman Gill, who missed the match due to injury. Despite having a reliable option in KL Rahul to bat at No. 3, Rohit Sharma revealed that Kohli himself volunteered to take on the challenge.

Rohit Sharma’s Explanation

During the post-day press conference, Rohit Sharma shed light on the reasoning behind this unexpected decision.

“We didn’t want to disrupt KL’s (Rahul) position at No. 6, where he’s been finding his rhythm. The same goes for Sarfaraz (Khan), who we wanted to settle in his usual spot. Virat (Kohli) stepped up and wanted to take the responsibility, which is a great sign of leadership and commitment,” Rohit explained.

Unfortunately, the gamble didn’t pay off. Kohli was undone by a sharp, rising delivery from New Zealand’s young pacer, William O’Rourke, gloving a catch to leg-gully without scoring a run.

Rohit’s plan to stabilize the batting order by preserving KL Rahul’s No. 6 position didn’t pan out as hoped. With Kohli struggling at No. 3 and Rahul also falling cheaply later in the innings, India’s top order crumbled under pressure. Kohli’s early dismissal was particularly costly, given the difficult batting conditions and New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack, led by Matt Henry (5/15) and O’Rourke (4/22).

This wasn’t the only decision that backfired for India. Rohit’s choice to bat first, despite the overcast skies and a pitch that was still damp from rain, added to the team’s woes. New Zealand, exploiting the conditions, reduced India to 10/3 in no time, with Kohli’s duck being one of the early blows.

Kohli’s Troubles at No. 3

Virat Kohli’s promotion to No. 3 in the batting order was a risk, given his previous struggles in that position. Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli has largely thrived at No. 4, a role where he has cemented his status as one of the game’s greatest batters. However, in the seven innings where he has batted at No. 3, Kohli has managed just 97 runs at a dismal average of 16.16.

Given these numbers, many questioned why Kohli, who was just 53 runs away from joining the 9000 run club in Tests, was moved up the order in such challenging conditions. With experienced players like KL Rahul available to fill the No. 3 spot, this tactical switch has come under scrutiny, especially after India’s collapse.

A Day to Forget for India

India’s decision to bat first under overcast conditions on a sticky wicket also turned out to be a massive blunder. Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, making full use of the seaming conditions, ran through India’s batting lineup, dismissing the hosts for a shocking total of 46 runs. This was India’s third lowest score in Test cricket and their lowest ever at home.

The top order fell like dominoes, with Rohit Sharma, Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and KL Rahul all departing for ducks. India went to lunch at a disastrous 34/6, and the collapse continued thereafter, leading to a humbling defeat.

The decision to promote Kohli to No. 3 was a bold move, but one that didn’t yield the desired results. As India prepares for the upcoming Test matches against New Zealand and Australia, this experiment is unlikely to be repeated, given the disastrous outcome.

India will need to regroup, reassess their strategies, and ensure that players are batting in positions where they are most comfortable. Kohli, with his wealth of experience, is best suited at No. 4, and his return to form will be crucial for India’s success moving forward.

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