Who Should Bat At No.4 For Team India? ABD Makes this Surprising Pick
Former South African captain and cricketing icon AB de Villiers has sparked interest in the cricketing world with his new insights into India's middle-order quandary.
De Villiers, who plays for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with Virat Kohli, feels Kohli might be the answer to India's No. 4 batting spot at the 2018 ICC World Cup.
The No. 4 Dilemma
The search for a consistent No. 4 batter in India has been a frequent issue in cricket discourse. The fitness worries surrounding Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have only exacerbated the team's preparations for the Asia Cup and World Cup. Both players have been out owing to injury, raising concerns about their fitness for the big games.
Virat Kohli: The No. 3 Dynamo
Virat Kohli has been a fixture at No. 3 for India, amassing runs and records in abundance. His penchant for this position is reflected in his great results, as he has scored the majority of his runs while batting third. AB de Villiers, on the other hand, believes Kohli's versatility and skills make him a great option for the No. 4 spot.
"I've heard some rumours about Virat (Kohli) possibly taking over." That would have my full support. I believe Virat is ideal for No. 4. "He can put together an innings and play any role in that middle order," says de Villiers.
Putting the Team First
De Villiers recognises Kohli's affection for the No. 3 place, but emphasises the significance of a team-first approach. "At the end of the day," he continues, "if the team needs you to do something, play a certain role, you have to put your hand up and go for it."
Kohli's No. 4 Prowess
Kohli's credentials at No. 4 are impressive statistically. In that position, he has seven centuries at a stunning average of 55.21 and a strike rate of 90.66. While his most recent appearance at No. 4 came against Australia in Mumbai in January 2020, his track record speaks eloquently about his capacity to flourish in this role.
Asia Cup: Favorites and Dark Horses
De Villiers, affectionately known as 'Mr. 360,' expressed his opinions on the Asia Cup. He sees archrivals India and Pakistan as the tournament's overwhelming favourites.
He does, however, caution against underestimating the defending champions, Sri Lanka, who have the ability to disrupt the established order. "India and Pakistan are the favourites to win the Asia Cup." "However, Sri Lanka has the potential to upset the bigger teams," de Villiers argues.