Former South African skipper AB de Villiers believes that Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli could be the solution to India’s missing puzzle in the middle order for the ODI World Cup 2023. The Men in Blue is still finding their crucial NO.4 spot for a marquee event on the home soil.
With the number of players tried and tested in this position India is still figuring out the player for that crucial No.4 Spot for the team going into the Asia Cup 2023. Many former cricketer including Ravi Shastri has suggested playing Virat Kohli in that spot, as he has the ability to stabilize the innings in ODI cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, AB de Villiers backs former Indian skipper Virat Kohli to come good for India at that crucial spot for the Indian team in the World Cup and believes that he could put innings together in the mega events and feels that it is important to address the middle order issues going into the World Cup.
“We’re still talking about who will be the No. 4 batter for India. I’ve heard some rumours about Virat (Kohli) possibly taking up that position. I would be a big supporter of that”.
“I think Virat is perfect for No. 4. He can put the innings together, and play any kind of role in that middle order. I don’t know if he would like to do that.
“We know he loves his No. 3 position; he’s 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.”
Many suggested that Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli go one step down in the batting to bring Ishan Kishan to the top of the order. This move could be an option for the team following Ishan Kishan’s brilliance opening batting against West Indies in the three-match ODI series.
Rohit Has Rubbished These Talks And Has Locked In Virat Kohli At No.3 – Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin defended Rohit Sharma’s decision to play Virat Kohli at the No.3 position despite a suggestion to move him down to the crucial No.4 spot in the team and believes that India’s top order is the biggest match-winner for the Men in Blue in the ODI format.
“Many ex-players including Ravi Bhai (Shastri) have said that Virat Kohli if needed, should be made ready for No.4. But Rohit has rubbished these talks and has locked in Kohli at No.3. Gill, Rohit, and Kohli are not only our engine room but also biggest match-winners in this format,” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
Virat Kohli has returned to his usual best as he smashed three ODI hundreds in 2023 and will continue his form in ODI Cricket ahead of the important Asia Cup and ODI World Cup.