AB de Villiers, the former South African cricket captain and one of the most revered figures in the sport, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Virat Kohli’s role in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024. His comments come as cricket analysts and fans around the globe speculate about the optimal position for Kohli in the Indian batting lineup. De Villiers voiced his concerns on Wednesday, May 22, suggesting that there is “too much risk” involved if Kohli were to open the batting for India in the highly anticipated tournament set to take place in the USA and the West Indies from June 1.
Kohli’s stellar performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 have reignited conversations about his best batting position. Dominating the tournament with over 700 runs and leading the Orange Cap race, Kohli’s consistency and explosive form have left many convinced that he should take up the opening slot for India in the T20 World Cup. Noteworthy figures in cricket, including former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, have thrown their weight behind the suggestion, arguing that India’s chances would be bolstered with Kohli at the top of the order.
However, AB de Villiers, who has shared the dressing room with Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has a different perspective. De Villiers insists that Kohli’s most effective position remains at number three, a role where he has historically been successful in white-ball cricket. “I feel he’s a number three batsman and that’s where he’s most impactful,” De Villiers remarked in an interview with PTI. “He’s almost like the captain of the batting team everywhere he goes. He keeps the calmness and composure within the batting unit.”
The debate is further fueled by the fluctuating performance of other Indian openers in the IPL 2024. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another contender for the opening slot, has struggled with consistency, making Kohli’s exemplary run even more significant. His aggressive brand of cricket has been a highlight in the IPL, with an impressive strike rate and a staggering 38 sixes in just 15 innings. This level of performance has prompted renewed calls for Kohli to be elevated to the role of an opener in international T20 cricket.
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Despite these compelling arguments, De Villiers firmly believes that Kohli’s talent is best utilized one step down the order. According to him, the initial overs in a T20 match present risks that could potentially curtail Kohli’s innings and reduce his overall impact on the game. “But if I was playing a TV game, Xbox, he would come in at number three in my team,” De Villiers added. “I feel there’s too much risk in those first couple of overs to go and ask Virat to take the game on, to hit the ball in the air. All I want him to do is to bat between overs 4 and 16-17, somewhere there. I feel that’s where he’s best in the world by a country mile and that’s where he’s most impactful.”
The South African legend’s comments reflect a broader strategic consideration for the Indian team management, who must weigh the benefits of Kohli’s explosive starts against the need for stability and experience in the middle overs. While Kohli’s current form as an opener cannot be ignored, the potential vulnerabilities he might face in the powerplay overs also need to be factored into the decision.
This debate comes at a crucial juncture as India prepares its squad for the T20 World Cup, aiming to end their title drought in the shortest format of the game. Kohli, who has been a linchpin in the Indian cricket team for over a decade, will undoubtedly play a central role in their campaign. His ability to adapt and excel in various batting positions makes him a versatile asset, but finding the right spot to maximize his contribution will be key to India’s success.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 draws nearer, discussions like these will intensify, with fans and pundits closely monitoring the choices made by the Indian team management. AB de Villiers’ expert insight adds a nuanced layer to the debate, reminding everyone that cricket is as much about strategy and risk management as it is about talent and form. Only time will tell whether Kohli will open the batting for India or continue to anchor the innings from his tried and tested number three position.
