Former South Africa batter AB de Villiers advised India to promote Virat Kohli to the crucial no. 3 batting position during the Super 8 stage. While the 35-year-old Kohli had thrived as an opener in the IPL 2024, he has struggle in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. In 3 matches, Kohli has managed only 5 runs off 9 deliveries, averaging a paltry 1.66 with a strike rate of just 55.55.
Virat Kohli will aim to redeem himself when India face Rashid Khan’s Afghanistan at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados on June 20. Kohli’s former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers praised him as one of the world’s best at handling pressure during the middle overs.
“I have consistently advocated for Virat to bat at number three, especially on the better batting pitches. Virat is the ideal number three batsman. He can play aggressively, but also has the ability to absorb pressure when needed. As the best middle-overs batsman in the world, I see no reason why he should not be the go-to number three for the team,” said de Villiers.
According to the South African batting legend, India should adopt a more aggressive approach to end their drought of the ICC trophy since their Champions Trophy triumph in 2013.
“The Indian team should go out and fire from the start. In previous World Cups, they have played conservatively. However, given their exceptional quality, they can afford to take more risks early on to seize momentum, as they will be unstoppable once they gain the upper hand,” he noted.
In the current T20 World Cup, India remains undefeated, winning 3 of their 4 matches against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States.