India’s Batting Shuffle Under Fire as Karthik Questions Kohli’s Promotion to No. 3
Team India found themselves in a tricky spot after Shubman Gill was ruled out of the first Test against New Zealand, leading to a reshuffle in the batting order. In a surprising move, Virat Kohli was pushed up to the No. 3 position, with Sarfaraz Khan coming in at No. 4. Both decisions backfired, as Kohli and Sarfaraz were dismissed for ducks, raising eyebrows about the tactical choices made by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma.
Former wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik didn’t hold back while addressing the team’s decisions. Speaking after the first innings collapse, Karthik expressed concern over the batting order adjustments, particularly with Kohli’s promotion to No. 3, a role he rarely takes in Test cricket.
Karthik, while not defending Kohli’s poor performance, questioned why the responsibility wasn’t handed to a player like KL Rahul or Sarfaraz Khan for the No. 3 slot. “I’m not here to protect Virat Kohli. He’s one of the greatest batsmen we’ve ever seen, with the temperament and technique to match. But in Test cricket, where does he fit best? No. 4,” Karthik said during a Cricbuzz segment.
While acknowledging Kohli’s willingness to take on the challenge at No. 3, Karthik suggested that the head coach should have been more strategic in assigning roles. “It’s commendable that Kohli stepped up, but he could have easily stayed at No. 4. Coach Gambhir should have considered promoting KL Rahul or Sarfaraz to No. 3. The fact that Virat was willing to bat higher shows his mindset, but I don’t think it was the right decision,” Karthik remarked.
He further criticized Gambhir’s insistence on maintaining consistency in the batting order, suggesting that a more flexible approach was needed. “Gambhir’s idea of sticking to the same order for consistency sounds good in theory, but results matter. Personally, I would have preferred KL Rahul at No. 3,” Karthik added, calling for a more pragmatic approach to India’s batting strategy.
