Ganguly wants Kohli's demotion in ODIs

In a remark that might raise a few eyebrows, former India captain Sourav Ganguly suggested Virat Kohli to continue batting at No. 4 in the three-match ODI series against England, starting on July 12.

In a remark that might raise a few eyebrows, former India captain Sourav Ganguly suggested Virat Kohli to continue batting at No. 4 in the three-match ODI series against England, starting on July 12.

Virat Kohli, who is not only India’s but world’s best No.3 in limited overs cricket had decided to leave his preferred slot to accommodate KL Rahul in top-order in the recently concluded T20I series. The move did wonders as Rahul emerged as India’s top scorer with a century to his name and Ganguly believes India should stick to that combination even in the ODIs.

“If you look at this T20I series, I think they have formed the proper batting line-up. With Rahul at number three, and Virat Kohli batting at number four, I think the problem has been sorted out. And I firmly believe it is also the right thing to do in the ODI format as well," Ganguly said after the UK launch of his book ‘A Century is Not Enough' last night.

The move might also end up solving India’s long-lasting problem of finding a suitable No.4 in ODI cricket. Since the tour of Sri Lanka in July-August 2017, India have tried as many as seven different batsmen -- KL Rahul, Kedar Jadhav, Manish Pandya, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane with none being able to make the crucial No.4 slot their own.

Ganguly, now believes, India should try Kohli at that position and guide the innings to lay a solid foundation for the likes of Dhoni and Pandya to attack from the word go.

"I think that's what Kohli is going to do (in the upcoming series) as well and I also believe that he will do well at No.4,” Ganguly said.

Ganguly was of the opinion that England lack firepower in their bowling line-up, which will give the visitors an edge in the ODIs.

India started off the English summer with a bang, winning the three-match T20I series 2-1. 

England are a good side. They are a very good batting unit but bowling is the weaker part of their game. The way India won (easily) in Bristol when chasing 200 (in a T20 game), they will fancy their chances against this English bowling line-up in the ODI series,” he said.

He, however, cautioned Kohli and Co. against taking England lightly in the long series.     

Off late, the Indian team has been doing well in T20Is. I have enjoyed their performance in this England series as well. But they have to be mindful that it is only the start of a long summer with ODIs and five Tests to follow," Ganguly said.

"They have set the tone for the latter contests with this win, but different formats will present different challenges for them. India should also know that they are a good unit and they can do well here.”