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The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been one of the top teams throughout the history of the Indian Premier League. They consistently performed on the field but have failed to win the elusive title. But in this edition, the two-time finalists could possibly end their trophy drought as they look a well-balanced team.
But having a great squad is only half the battle. Now Mike Hesson and his side will need to pick a playing eleven that could consistently perform and gel into as a cohesive unit. One of the top questions coming from this situation has been the batting position of former RCB and India captain Virat Kohli. The 33-year-old hasn’t been in great form off late, hence there were concerns about his batting position in IPL.
Former India, Mumbai and Vidharbha opener Wasim Jaffer expressed his solution to RCB’s top-order conundrum. He believes Virat Kohli should bat at number three position with skipper Faf du Plessis and youngster Anuj Rawat to open.
Jaffer justified his take by talking about how Kohli can pace the innings from the number three position well while batting during the powerplay or after it. He then also went ahead stating that du Plessis and Kohli have a similar playing style.
The batting order according to Jaffer included the opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Anuj Rawat. At number three he named Virat Kohli followed by Glen Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik. The 10-time Ranji Trophy winner also spoke on how Anuj Rawat could be an important piece in the upcoming IPL.
Rawat is a left-handed top-order batter who has played on the domestic circuit for the Delhi state team. In the T20 format, the 22-year-old has scored 501 runs from 27 games while averaging 29.87 and a high-scored of 88 not out. With a strike rate of 121.01, he could be the aggressor allowing Faf to settle in and build a long innings.
Aakash Chopra also added on Kohli's position and supported Jaffer’s argument. He explained how with the absence of former South Africa batter AB de Villers, Kohli’s number three position helps him control the middle order, avoid constant shuffling and take the game deeper into the innings.