Veteran Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle feels Virat Kohli should decide his batting position in the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The marquee event will be played in England from May 30 and every expert sees India as a pre-tournament favorite. India’s search for a number four batsman is not yet completed while they only have five One-Day International matches before going into the tournament.

Indian head coach Ravi Shastri said in his recent interview that Kohli may play on number four to maintain the balance of the team. On the other hand, Kohli has played on number three since a very long period and his bat never looked out of runs.

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During the pre-match show of 2nd T20I between New Zealand and India, Harsha mentioned that Kohli should be left free to decide his own position in the batting order.

“India’s openers are in brilliant form. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit and KL Rahul have been superb, which saw Virat Kohli being changed to number 4. He has been superb at four. But, I am not sure about the reason behind to bat at number 4 that you are afraid, he would get out. By being at number 3, he can negate the conditions,” he quoted.

“I don’t agree to bat him at number 4 because you are afraid of him batting at number 4. But, if they are trying for the balance by dropping him to number 4, it is okay. And, if we think that only batsman can win, we have already lost the game. Because there would be bad days for the top 3 and good days for 4,5 and 6 batsmen.”

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Sitting on the example of Sachin Tendulkar, Bhogle concluded while saying that the best batsman should get most opportunities to win you games. “I would like to ask where Virat wants to bat. That is what happened with Sachin Tendulkar. Because the best batsman knows when to bat for the team and win the game. I would also want to see someone telling Virat that the conditions are tough, you bat down the order,” he concluded.

India’s last ODI assignment before the World Cup will come in home condition against Australia. Meanwhile, India in on a roll in One-Day cricket, where they have beat every opponent except for England.