Explained: Why Virat Kohli batted at No.3 against New Zealand in Bengaluru Test

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli walked out to bat at No. 3 for the first time in eight years during the first Test against New Zealand at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Thursday, October 17. The decision to promote Kohli up the order was due to Shubman Gill's absence caused by a niggle.

Gill, India's regular No. 3, was replaced in the playing XI by Sarfaraz Khan. Rather than slotting Sarfaraz into Gill's position, the team management opted for a reshuffle, promoting Kohli to the crucial position. Similarly, the option of promoting KL Rahul was not taken as has recently found stability in the middle order.

Kohli's history at No. 3 has been limited. Before this match, he had batted in the position only six times, scoring only 97 runs at a lowly average of 19.4. His last appearance at No. 3 dated back to 2016 against the West Indies. 

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India recorded their third-lowest total in Tests

Kohli, being the senior-most batter and arguably the most equipped to handle the tough conditions, seemed the logical choice for the temporary adjustment. Unfortunately for the hosts, the decision backfired as Kohli fell for a duck, caught off a short-length delivery from Will O'Rourke.

Meanwhile, India crumbled to just 46 all out,their third-lowest total in Test history. Kohli, Sarfaraz, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and R Ashwinl walked back with ducks. In reply, the tourists came out all guns blazing, racing off to 82/1 at Tea.