May 2nd 2024.
In the bustling city of New Delhi, there has been quite a stir in the cricket world as former South Africa great AB de Villiers has spoken out against the "data-driven" pundits who have been criticizing Virat Kohli for his strike rate in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Despite Kohli's impressive performance this season, where he has scored 500 runs at a strike rate of 147 and an average of 77, he has been constantly scrutinized for his slow approach against spinners in the middle overs. However, de Villiers, who played alongside Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore, has a different opinion on the matter.
De Villiers, who himself is considered one of the best players to have ever played the game, believes that it is not fair for these so-called experts to comment on a stalwart like Kohli. In a recent video on his YouTube channel, de Villiers expressed his frustration with these pundits who do not have the in-depth knowledge and experience of the game. He questioned their credentials, asking how many games they have played and how many IPL hundreds they have scored. For de Villiers, it is not just about strike rate and playing spin well, but it is about winning games for the team. He believes that Kohli's track record speaks for itself, as he has been consistently delivering for his team for the past 15 years.
De Villiers stands firmly behind Kohli, stating that he has nothing left to prove to anyone and should just focus on his game. He believes that those who have never been in a similar situation as Kohli cannot truly understand the pressure and challenges he faces on the field. De Villiers also highlights that Kohli's strike rate this season is even better than his record-breaking season in the past, which raises the question of where the criticism is coming from. In his eyes, Kohli is batting like a dream at the moment, and there is no valid reason for anyone to question his approach.
The support from de Villiers came after Kohli himself had lashed out at his critics following his unbeaten 70 runs off 44 balls in RCB's nine-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. De Villiers firmly believes that Kohli is best suited at the No.3 position for RCB and that the rest of the team, including the coach and captain, should strategize around his successful approach. He believes that Kohli's position in the batting order is crucial for the team's success and that he should be given the freedom to continue his proven formula. Although Kohli loves opening and has a remarkable record doing so, de Villiers believes that batting him at No.3 would optimize the team's lineup, allowing openers like Will Jacks and Faf du Plessis to get a fast start.
In conclusion, de Villiers has made his stance clear on the matter and has shown unwavering support for his former teammate. He believes that Kohli's contributions to the team speak for themselves, and it is time for the critics to take a step back and appreciate his incredible talent and dedication to the game. After all, as de Villiers puts it, it is not about numbers and statistics, but about winning games for the team.
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