"He is the best player in the world in the middle overs" - AB de Villiers feels Virat Kohli should bat at No. 3 for India in T20 World Cup
Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers doesn't think India are getting the best out of Virat Kohli by asking the latter to open in the ongoing T20 World Cup. Kohli has scored just five runs in the three innings as an opener so far and there has been a lot of debate about whether he should continue opening or return to his No. 3 spot.
Several cricket experts feel that the Men in Blue should stick to their combination as the pitch in New York was tough for almost all the batters. They expect Kohli to score big as an opener in the conditions in the West Indies.
However, in a video on his YouTube channel, AB de Villiers explained why he felt Virat Kohli had to bat at No. 3. He said:
"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)."
With the new ball nipping around, De Villiers opined that Kohli could get dismissed by an absolute peach upfront. He claimed that Kohli would often get a part of the powerplay on the fall of an early wicket and could build his innings with the immense experience he has.
AB de Villiers on India's performance in knockouts
India haven't won an ICC Trophy for 11 years and the closest they came to breaking the jinx was seven months ago when they lost the final of the 2023 World Cup to Australia. AB de Villiers believes the current team has the potential to go all the way and clinch the title, but wants them to play a fearless brand of cricket.
On this, he opined:
"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 Men in Blue will begin their Super 8 phase against a spirited Afghanistan side in Barbados on Thursday, June 20.