NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli opening the batting in T20Is becomes a topic of discussion these days particularly in light of the upcoming T20 World Cup in June but former South African captain AB de Villiers has a different take on the matter.
De Villiers suggested that Kohli’s No. 3 position is well suited to him as he has consistently posed a threat to opponents and enjoyed significant success in anchoring the innings alongside the middle-order.
“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,” de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
ABD also voiced his concern that if Kohli goes on to open the batting, there will be chances that he gets unplayable delivery early on which can lead to his dismissal.

“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,” he added
He also emphasised Kohli’s remarkable record at No. 3 in T20Is, praising the former India skipper for allowing others the freedom to play their shots.
“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.”