Against popular opinion, AB de Villiers suggests Virat Kohli not to open in T20I cricket

Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers, going against popular opinion, has suggested Virat Kohli not to open the innings in T20I cricket. Over the last few years, due to him opening the batting in the IPL, fans and experts have suggested that Kohli can open the batting in the shortest format. The former South Africa skipper feels that Kohli will be a threat against the opposition when he bats at three.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said that the former India skipper is the glue in the top-order batting at number three.

“I have a different opinion. For the most part of my international career, Virat batting at No. 3 was the biggest threat for us when we played against India. I’ve always felt like he was the glue of the team in the middle-order. No. 3 is not quite middle-order, it is top-order. But he is so good that he often combined with the middle-order, even down to tailenders. It’s just impossible to play against that.”

When Virat Kohli faces first ball, he averages 23: AB de Villiers

The Pretoria player added that Kohli bats the best at number three and there is a lot of chance of him getting out facing the new ball.

“With a new ball, facing the first few deliveries there, I just think that the chances of getting a good delivery up front are so much better. I’m worried about that position. Even though the numbers don’t look bad, I have some other stats for you. When Virat faces the very first ball as an opener, his average is 23 and strike rate is 138. When he doesn’t face the first ball and is at the non-striker’s end, he averages 140 with a strike rate of 173,” said AB de Villiers.

“What I do like is that No. 3 position. 79 games played there, average of 55 and strike rate of 135. Very solid, match-winner, keeps everyone together, and he allows some of the power hitters to have freedom at the back end of the innings.”