AB de Villiers approved the idea of Virat Kohli batting at No.4 for India in ODIs.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was of the opinion that Virat Kohli should bat at No.4 position instead of No.3 during the Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023. However, the opinion did not go down well with many pundits and enthusiasts and it stirred a debate. (More Cricket News)
While many former players including Gautam Gambhir rejected the idea, South African star AB de Villiers though has backed the idea. The Proteas hero who has shared the dressing room with Kohli in Royal Challengers Bangalore, called himself a 'big supporter' of the former India's skipper batting position at No.4 in ODIs.
"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," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel 'AB de Villiers 360’.
ABD also agreed that Kohli might not leave the No.3 batting position just yet as he has achieved a lot of success for moee than a decade now but should be ready to adapt to a new role if the team requires it.
“I think Virat is perfect for No. 4. He can put the innings together, 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," he added.
Disappointed to see Chahal being dropped
Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal failed to make the India squad for the Asia Cup as the selectors gave preference to wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav and spin all-rounder Axar Patel. AB de Villiers was disappointed to his former RCB teammate excluded from the squad.
"Chahal has been dropped, selectors making their intentions clear who they will be picking. It's a bit of disappointing drop for me, Yuzi is always very handy and it's great to have the leg-spinning option in your team. We know how skilful he is," de Villiers said.