India Has Its Back To The Wall Again

Loss in Mumbai may force a rethink in Kohli’s batting spot; Rahul to continue to don ’keeper’s gloves

- Amol Karhadkar

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The idiom fits India captain Virat Kohli perfectly, switching his batting position from No. 3 to No. 4. In order to accommodate all three specialist openers in the team, Kohli demoted himself from his favourite — and most successful — batting position. And the move backfired in the series-opener in Mumbai on Tuesday as not only did Kohli not fire but India also ended up putting on a below-par total.

With Aaron Finch and David Warner helping Australia cruise to a 10-wicket win, India for the second time in as many months finds itself needing to bounce back in a three-match ODI series. If Kohli’s cavaliers have to show the resilience they showed against West Indies last month, it’s time the captain regains his customary position.

Kohli’s admission