AB de Villiers suggests a new batting position for Virat Kohli in ODIs ahead of Asia Cup and World Cup

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has opened up on Virat Kohli’s batting position for team India.

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri was the first among the former cricketers and experts to suggest considering Virat Kohli as India’s No. 4 batter in the upcoming World Cup. Just a few days before the selection of the Indian squad for Asia Cup, Ravi Shastri said that he would try Virat at number 4, and he had also thought of using that position in the previous World Cup. Team India, due to the fitness uncertainty over Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, are looking for a formidable option in the middle order. Many former cricketers quashed Shastri’s idea of giving Virat Kohli the number four position, but he has found a supporter now.

Ab De Villiers says ‘Virat is perfect for Number 4’

Former South African captain and legendary batter Ab De Villiers agreed that Virat Kohli could be the option India were looking for, as he was a perfect player in the middle order. Former South African captain on his Youtube channel said, “We are still talking about who will be the No. 4 batter for India. I have heard some rumours about Virat Kohli possibly taking up that position. I would be a big supporter of that. Virat Kohli is perfect for Number 4.” Virat Kohli currently bats at No. 3 for India. He has batted in the same position for over 75% of his innings in his career in a one-day format.

Ab also said that Virat is the perfect option as he can put Indian innings together batting at Number 4. He said, “He can put the innings together and play any kind of role in the middle order. I don’t know if he would like to do that. We know he loves his No. 3 position. He has scored all his runs there, but at the end of the day, if the team needs you to do something or play a certain role, you have got to put your hand up and go for it.” Virat Kohli has played only 39 innings at No. 4 in his career and scored seven centuries and eight half-centuries.

Out of 265 ODI innings, Kohli has played 210 ODI innings in the No. 3 position. He sets himself well in that position; he knows how to change his game and might well be a success for India in number 4 as well. But as Shreyas Iyer is fully fit and ready to take the field in the Asia Cup 2023, the number 4 debate is now over. Iyer will be taking on the role as he did earlier this year. Along with Kohli, Indian team will also consider young Tilak Varma for that position.

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