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'Please Bat Virat At...' AB de Villiers Requests India To Play Kohli At 'This' Position Vs AFG

Kohli has struggled as an opener [AP]Kohli has struggled as an opener [AP]

Former South Africa skipper AB de Villiers has called on the Indian team management to reinstate Virat Kohli at number 3 following his struggles as an opener in his first three innings of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

India emerged as the unbeaten team in Group A, advancing to the Super 8 stage after outclassing arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, and co-hosts USA. 

Despite India's dominant performance, Kohli recorded disappointing individual scores, posting one against Ireland, four against Pakistan, and zero against the USA. Additionally, the 35-year-old registered his first-ever golden duck at a T20 World Cup.

Kohli's batting position has come under scrutiny after these three consecutive failures. Amidst ongoing debates about his optimal position, AB de Villiers has advocated for Kohli's return to number 3, where he has enjoyed stellar success in T20 cricket.

"I have always said please bat Virat at No. 3. Especially in better wickets that they will play now, Virat is the go-to guy at No. 3. He can play the attacking game and also pull back and absorb the pressure if necessary. He is the best player in the world in the middle overs. I don't see any reasons (for opening),"  De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

Despite his poor form in the group stage, Kohli is expected to perform well as India aims for its second ICC T20 World Cup title in the Caribbean.