Virat Kohli’s performance at No. 3 in Test cricket has been a topic of interest, especially following his recent outing against New Zealand on October 17, 2024. In this match, Kohli returned to the No. 3 position for the first time in eight years but faced an unfortunate setback, scoring a nine-ball duck after being dismissed by Kiwi pacer William O’Rourke.
This dismissal marked a continuation of Kohli’s struggles at this batting position, where he has historically underperformed.
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Kohli’s Struggles at No. 3
Kohli’s return to batting at No. 3 coincided with Shubman Gill’s injury, which necessitated a shuffle in India’s batting order. Despite his vast experience and success in limited-overs formats at this position, Kohli’s Test statistics tell a different story. Before this match, he had batted at No. 3 in six innings, accumulating only 97 runs at an average of 16.16, with a highest score of 41 against Australia back in 2013.
Kohli’s Performance at No. 3 in Test Cricket
| Year | Opposition | Runs | Venue |
| 2012 | England | 14* | Ahmedabad |
| 2013 | Australia | 34 | Mohali |
| 2013 | Australia | 1 | Delhi |
| 2013 | Australia | 41 | Delhi |
| 2016 | West Indies | 3 | Gros Islet |
| 2016 | West Indies | 4 | Gros Islet |
| 2024 | New Zealand | 0 | Bengaluru |
Summary of Kohli’s Performance
- Total Innings: 7
- Total Runs: 97
- Batting Average: 16.16
- Highest Score: 41
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s performance at No. 3 in Test cricket has been a subject of considerable scrutiny, particularly following his recent outing against New Zealand on October 17, 2024, where he was dismissed for a nine-ball duck. With a total of just 97 runs across seven innings at this position and a disappointing average of 16.16, it is evident that Kohli has struggled to make an impact while batting at No. 3.
Historically known for his dominance as a middle-order batter, Kohli’s success at No. 4 has overshadowed his attempts to adapt to the demands of the No. 3 role. The challenges he faced in the recent Test match further highlight the need for strategic considerations within the Indian batting lineup, especially in high-pressure situations.
As India looks ahead to future series, it will be crucial for the team management to assess Kohli’s position in the batting order. Whether he continues to bat at No. 3 or returns to his more familiar and successful role at No. 4 remains to be seen. Ultimately, Kohli’s ability to adapt and find form will be vital for India’s success in Test cricket moving forward.
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