AB de Villiers Supports Virat Kohli’s Move to No.4 Position in Cricket Line-up
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri sparked a debate about shifting Virat Kohli from his preferred No.3 to No.4 during tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup. This idea has received mixed reactions from cricketers, with AB de Villiers being a vocal supporter. De Villiers, having shared the dressing room with Kohli for years, believes Kohli could excel at No.4 in ODIs.
De Villiers mentioned on his YouTube channel ‘AB de Villiers 360′ that he has heard rumors about Kohli considering the move, and he backs this change. Kohli’s exceptional performance at No.3 is well-known, but de Villiers emphasizes the need for adaptability for the team’s sake.
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Shreyas Iyer: India’s Choice for the No.4 Position
The No.4 position has been a point of discussion in Indian cricket for years. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the struggle to find a consistent batter for this role after Yuvraj Singh’s retirement. Despite trying numerous players, including Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer stands out as the most successful at No.4.
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Iyer, recently declared fit by the National Cricket Academy after a back injury, boasts an average of 47 in 20 innings at No.4. His two ODI centuries were scored in this position.
Exploring Virat Kohli’s Prospects at No.4
Virat Kohli’s last appearance at No.4 was three years ago against Australia. However, his record at this position is impressive, with seven ODI centuries out of 46. His average of 55.21 at No.4 is slightly lower than his No.3 average of 57.
What If Kohli Bats at No.4?
Considering de Villiers and Shastri’s suggestion, a revamped batting order could emerge with Kohli at No.4. This might leave no room for Shreyas Iyer unless KL Rahul is dropped. Ishan Kishan could take the wicket-keeper’s and opener’s roles, while Shubman Gill fills in at No.3. The No.5 spot could be contested by Rahul and Iyer. This shift could be seen in the initial Asia Cup stages, considering Rahul’s injury. If Rahul recovers and keeps wickets, India might not need a complete batting overhaul just weeks before the World Cup.
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