AB de Villiers Backs Virat Kohli as No.4 Batter, Ending India’s Debate
AB de Villiers supports Virat Kohli batting at No.4, resolving the ongoing debate about India’s middle-order position.
The ongoing debate about Virat Kohli‘s batting position in the Indian cricket team seems to have found a resolution as AB de Villiers, the legendary South African cricketer, comes forward to endorse the idea of Kohli batting at No.4. This proposal, initially suggested by former India head coach Ravi Shastri, had sparked discussions about whether Kohli should move from his preferred No.3 spot. De Villiers’ insights shed light on the matter, while another name that surfaces prominently in this context is Shreyas Iyer.
AB de Villiers Supports Kohli at No.4
With extensive experience alongside Virat Kohli during their time at Royal Challengers Bangalore, AB de Villiers expressed his strong support for Kohli to take on the No.4 batting position in One Day Internationals (ODIs). He acknowledged Kohli’s remarkable track record at No.3 but stressed the importance of adapting to the team’s needs. De Villiers emphasized that if the team requires a new role from Kohli, he should be prepared to embrace it.
Shreyas Iyer: India’s Preferred No.4
The search for a suitable No.4 batsman in the Indian cricket team has been a subject of discussion for several years. Shreyas Iyer emerges as the preferred choice due to his consistent performance. After recovering from a back injury, Iyer, endorsed by the National Cricket Academy, has proven himself with an average of 47 in 20 innings at No.4. His two ODI centuries have come from this batting position, further solidifying his stance as India’s prime candidate for this slot.
Virat Kohli’s Potential at No.4
While Virat Kohli’s success at No.3 is undeniable, AB de Villiers’ endorsement and Shreyas Iyer’s consistent performance raise questions about his potential impact at No.4. Kohli’s last appearance at this position was three years ago, yet his record at No.4 boasts a terrific seven ODI centuries out of his total 46. His average of 55.21 at No.4, although slightly lower than his No.3 average, remains impressive.
Reshaping India’s Batting Order
If Virat Kohli were to follow de Villiers and Shastri’s suggestion and bat at No.4, the batting order would witness a reshuffle. This would potentially leave no room for Shreyas Iyer, unless KL Rahul is dropped. The lineup could feature Ishan Kishan as the wicket-keeper and opener, with Shubman Gill at No.3. The No.5 spot could become a competition between Rahul and Iyer. While this change might be considered for the initial stage of the Asia Cup, Rahul’s fitness remains a crucial factor in the final decision. A potential lineup adjustment is possible, ensuring a balanced batting order as the World Cup approaches.
Conclusion
The speculation surrounding Virat Kohli’s batting position appears to find some clarity with AB de Villiers’ endorsement of the No.4 role. Shreyas Iyer’s consistent performance strengthens India’s options. As the team prepares for upcoming tournaments, the discussion underscores the importance of flexibility and adaptability in cricket strategies.
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