Former South African cricket star AB de Villiers has advised Virat Kohli to stick to batting at No. 3 in T20 matches instead of opening.
De Villiers, who played alongside Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore, believes Kohli is more effective in the middle order. “He’s the glue of the team,” De Villiers said.
Despite Kohli’s recent success as an opener in the IPL, de Villiers insists that his best performances have come at No. 3.
He highlighted Kohli’s impressive statistics in this position, noting his average of 55 and a strike rate of 135. De Villiers remarked
“I’ve always felt like he was the biggest threat at No. 3.”
De Villiers also recalled advising Kohli during their time together at RCB to avoid opening the innings. “I always tried to convince him not to open,” he shared. However, he acknowledged that Kohli enjoys opening and should have the final say. “If he wants to open, he should,” de Villiers conceded.
The debate over Kohli’s batting position continues as India prepares for upcoming T20 matches.
De Villiers’ comments have reignited discussions about the optimal spot for Kohli in the lineup. He emphasized that Kohli’s ability to anchor the middle overs is crucial for the team’s success.
Kohli’s decision to open or bat at No. 3 could significantly impact India’s T20 strategy. As de Villiers noted, Kohli’s strength lies in his ability to adapt and stabilize the innings.
“There’s no one better than him to read the game situation,” De Villiers added.
Get exclusive updates and trending reports on ScreenBinge News—waiting for you now!
Related Stories: Rickey Ponting Proposes Different Role for Kohli at T20 World Cup 2024
