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Published 14:11 IST, June 20th 2024

'He is the best player. Please do it': AB De Villiers gives ULTIMATUM to BCCI to follow his advice

As India is set to begin their Super 8 campaign, AB de Villiers makes a plea to the team management & BCCI regarding a star player of the Men in Blue.

Reported by: Pavitra Shome
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AB de Villiers | Image: AB de Villiers 360/Youtube
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Team India will put their skills to the test when they face the West Indies in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. There has been a lot of controversy about the playing XI, particularly Virat Kohli's position. The great Indian hitter has been out of form after failing to score runs in the group-round matches. As the Men in Blue prepare to begin their Super 8 campaign, a former cricketer has made a strong plea to the BCCI and team management.

Also Read: 'An extra may come into the picture': Coach Dravid hints upon India's Playing XI vs AFG in Super 8

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AB de Villiers requests the BCCI & team management regarding Virat Kohli as India faces the Super 8 challenge

Team India is now undefeated in the group stage and will face a formidable Afghanistan team in Barbados. Following a difficult run in New York, where hitters struggled but bowlers thrived, India will confront new hurdles in the West Indies. As the Men in Blue prepare for the challenge, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has made a request to team management about former RCB teammate Virat Kohli to keep him at number three. But he also wants the star-batter to take advantage of the situation.

"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).

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India's Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shivam Dube during the Indian Cricket Team's practice in Barbados | Image: Instagram/@indiancricketteam
 

"Just make sure you throw the first punch. In the past World Cups, I think they have been a bit conservative, sort of feeling their way into a game. They are such a quality team that I feel they can take a bit of a risk early in the game to get the momentum because there is no looking back once they get the momentum," AB De Villiers said in one of his videos on his YouTube Channel.

Also Read: Has Afghanistan already replaced Pakistan as 2nd most powerful force in Asian cricket after India?

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Team India will play Afghanistan on June 20 and Bangladesh on June 22. Their final match is an ODI World Cup Final rematch, with the Rohit Sharma-led side facing Australia on June 24, 2024.

09:30 IST, June 20th 2024