Virat Kohli is the perfect No. 4 ODI batter: AB de Villiers
I've heard some rumours about Virat possibly taking up No. 4 batter for India. I would be a big supporter of that," de Villiers said.
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According to AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli's aptitude to "put the innings together" makes him a "perfect fit" for India's No. 4 in ODIs. De Villiers acknowledged that Kohli "loves his No. 3 position" but emphasised the importance of being a team player as the World Cup approaches.
India's No. 4 ODI conundrum has existed for quite some time, with the team experimenting at that position in the 2019 World Cup as well. India have featured no less than eleven players at No. 4 in ODIs since the previous World Cup, where their run was cut short by a heartbreaking semi-final loss to New Zealand.
The position is still a hot topic in 2023, not least because of KL Rahul (thigh) and Shreyas Iyer's (back) ailments in the lead-up to the home quadrennial event, which begins on October 5. In a substantial boost for India, both batters have recovered and have been named to the squad for the Asia Cup, which begins on August 30 and precedes the World Cup.
"We're still discussing who will be India's No. 4 batsman. According to rumours I've heard, Virat may assume that position. De Villiers, who has spent substantial time with Kohli at the Royal Challengers Bangalore, stated on his YouTube channel, 'AB de Villiers 360,' that he would strongly support such a move.
"I believe Virat is ideal for No. 4." He is capable of putting the innings together and playing any role in the middle order. I'm unsure if he would be interested in doing that. "At the end of the day, if the team needs you to do something or play a specific role, you have to put your hand up and accept it," he added.
India's captain, Rohit Sharma, has also stated unequivocally that the Indian team management is seeking flexibility in the batting order, with batters expected to assume roles based on the team's requirements and not be constrained by a specific template.
"No one should claim, 'I'm good at this position or that position. The message conveyed to every player is that you want them to be able to hit from anywhere. Not now, but over the past three to four years," Rohit told the media at the moment India's Asia Cup squad was announced.
While Kohli's record at No. 4 – 1767 runs at an average of 55.21 with a strike rate of 90.01 and seven centuries – inspires great confidence, Iyer's successful recovery indicates that he will likely return to the position. Iyer's corresponding stats are 805 at 47.35 with two centuries in 20 innings. Kohli, Iyer, and Rahul are all present at India's Asia Cup training camp in Alur.
