Virat Kohli’s best friend AB de Villiers digs a hole for the Indian star, asks Rohit Sharma to do this

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers made bold remarks on star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s batting position in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. AB de Villiers stated that Virat Kohli should not open alongside skipper Rohit Sharma for India in the Super 8 stages of the ICC tournament.

Virat Kohli’s batting position is a hot topic in the T20 World Cup. He has struggled as an opener, scoring only five runs in three innings. His low scores have sparked debate about whether he should move back to his No. 3 spot. However, some cricket experts believe that Kohli should remain an opener.

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal is waiting for his chance to play for India in the World Cup. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has performed well in the top order in the tournament. Kohli could be moved back to his preferred No. 3 position if the team management wants to change their strategy in the Super 8s.

Please Bat Virat Kohli At No. 3- AB de Villiers

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers urged the Indian team management to move Virat Kohli back to No. 3. De Villiers emphasized that Kohli is best suited for the No. 3 spot, as he can both attack and absorb pressure. He described Kohli as the best player in the world in the middle overs.

“I have always said please bat Virat at No. 3. Especially in better wickets that they will play now, Virat is the go-to guy at No. 3. He can play the attacking game and also pull back and absorb the pressure if necessary. He is the best player in the world in the middle overs. I don’t see any reasons (for opening),” De Villiers said.

The 35-year-old batter registered his first-ever golden duck in a T20 World Cup during his last match against the United States of America (USA). The right-handed batter has recorded scores of 1, 4, and 0 in the group-stage games of the World Cup. However, the Men in Blue remained unbeaten in the group stage.

They Have Been A Bit Conservative – AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers expressed confidence in the Indian team’s ability to win the title. However, the former Proteas captain urged them to adopt a fearless approach and advised that they should take risks early in matches to build momentum.

“Just make sure you throw the first punch. In the past World Cups, I think they have been a bit conservative, sort of feeling their way into a game. They are such a quality team that I feel they can take a bit of a risk early in the game to get the momentum because there is no looking back once they get the momentum,” the South African added.

Team India last won an ICC Trophy in the Champions Trophy 2013. They came close to breaking their drought seven months ago when they lost the final of the 2023 World Cup to Australia. The Rohit Sharma-led team will begin their Super 8 stage against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday, June 20.

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