IPL 2024: AB de Villiers Urges Virat Kohli to Bat at 3 Amid Strike-Rate Criticism

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Original Content: IPL 2024: AB de Villiers Urges Virat Kohli to Bat at 3 Amid Strike-Rate Criticism

AB de Villiers has strongly condemned the criticism directed at Virat Kohli’s strike rate in the ongoing IPL 2024. Despite holding the Orange Cap and leading the run-scorers chart, Kohli has faced flak for his strike rate, which is lower than some other openers in the tournament.

AB de Villiers argues that Kohli plays a crucial role for RCB, anchoring the innings and ensuring stability. He further conceded that Kohli’s current strike rate is even better than his record-breaking season in 2016, where he scored the most runs in an IPL edition.

The legendary South African batter also slammed the “data-driven pundits” who lack practical cricketing experience and questioned their right to judge a player of Kohli’s calibre. He emphasizes that Kohli’s success speaks for itself, and his contribution to RCB’s victories has been undeniable.

Here’s what AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel:

“Virat Kohli is catching criticism about his strike-rate. It’s been going on for way too long, and I am fed up with it now. I am frustrated, to say the least. This guy is one of the best to ever play the game of cricket.”

“He’s incredible in the IPL; he plays a certain role for RCB. I’ve had pretty much enough of these data-driven pundits who keep criticizing this man when they don’t really have knowledge of the game. How many games of cricket have you played? How many IPL hundreds have you scored?”

Kohli Should Bat At 3 for RCB: Virat Kohli

AB de Villiers emphasized once again, as he has before, that Virat Kohli‘s most effective batting position for RCB is at number three. He stated that Kohli should not open the innings, allowing the top order to take more aggressive risks.

“I have said in the past and I still believe that Virat Kohli is best suited at No. 3. I know he loves to open the batting, but by batting at 3, it will allow Faf du Plessis and Will Jacks to go after the bowling and then allow them to monitor the innings accordingly.”

Virat Kohli has scored 500 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 147 and an average of 71 so far in the IPL 2024. He has four half-centuries to his name and one unbeaten century in this season of the IPL.