How Has Virat Kohli Performed At No. 3 For India In Test Cricket?

Virat Kohli has struggled at No. 3 in Test cricket [Source: PTI]Virat Kohli has struggled at No. 3 in Test cricket [Source: PTI]

On the first day of the Test match between India and New Zealand, the Indian batting order took an unexpected tumble as Kiwi pacers exploited the conditions to their advantage. Leading the team’s batting lineup, Virat Kohli came out at the No. 3 position – a slot he last occupied in Test cricket eight years ago.

However, his comeback to this spot was far from ideal as he fell for a nine-ball duck, extending his lean patch at No. 3 in red-ball cricket. William O’Rourke’s sharp delivery caused a ruckus, sending Kohli back to the pavillion and putting the hosts in early trouble.

Kohli’s Trials at No. 3 Continue as India Shuffles Line-Up

With Shubman Gill sidelined due to injury, Virat Kohli was slotted at No. 3, a role he once filled with minimal success. Historically, Kohli has thrived at No. 3 in limited-overs cricket, but the Test arena has proven to be a different beast altogether.

Despite being India’s premier batter in the middle order, his numbers at No. 3 tell a tale of struggle. In his seven innings at this position, Kohli has managed a modest 113 runs, now averaging 16.16 with a highest score of just 41.

Kohli’s Performances at No. 3 in Tests

Match & Year
Opposition
Runs Scored
Venue
2012England14*Ahmedabad
2013Australia34Mohali
2013Australia1, 41Delhi
2016West Indies3, 4Gros Islet
2024New Zealand0Bengaluru


With a string of low scores at this position, Kohli’s quest for runs in this role has been an uphill battle. His current Test average at No. 3, post this innings, stands at a mere 16.16, a far cry from his usual standards.

William O'Rourke's Seam Magic Brings Kohli's Struggles to the Fore

O’Rourke’s delivery was a textbook example of exploiting one’s strengths to expose a batter’s vulnerabilities. Using his height to perfection, the pacer banged the ball on a short length outside off stump.

Virat Kohli, looking to defend, could only manage a faint glove, leading to a catch for the backward short-leg fielder. For Kohli, it was another missed chance to stamp his authority at No. 3, especially in the face of New Zealand's relentless bowling attack.

India's Fragile Top Order Crumbles as Kiwi Pacers Strike Early

Following Kohli’s dismissal, India found themselves on the ropes at 12/3, with both Rohit Sharma and Sarfaraz Khan also returning for single-digit scores. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by O’Rourke, kept the Indian batters under wraps, making every delivery a guessing game.

Rohit and Sarfaraz were both sent packing for scores of 2 and 0, respectively, leaving Jaiswal and Pant to steady the ship.

Jaiswal, batting at 8, has had a stroke of luck but has held his ground, partnering with Rishabh Pant, who remains on 2. Both batters will need to dig deep if India is to turn the tide and post a competitive score.

Kohli’s Form Under the Scanner as India Aims to Rebuild

Meanwhile, Kohli’s persistence at No. 3 may be under review, with India seeking more stability at this crucial position. His current stats at No. 3 starkly contrast with his prolific performances at No. 4, where he has scored the majority of his Test runs.

The day’s play so far has highlighted the challenges India faces with its top order in red-ball cricket, particularly in conditions where swing and bounce favour the opposition.

India’s hopes now hinge on the middle order finding its feet, and Kohli will undoubtedly look to make amends in the second innings. With a seasoned campaigner like him eager to convert his slump into a surge, fans and selectors alike will watch keenly for a comeback.