‘Throw the First Punch’: AB de Villiers Suggests Aggressive Strategy for India Against Afghanistan in Super 8 Encounter – News18

Team India get their ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 stages underway with a mouthwatering clash against Afghanistan on Thursday slated to be held at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The men in blue will look to continue their winning form from the group stages at the T20 extravaganza.

Ahead of the crucial encounter, South African legend AB de Villiers opined that India would fare well if they were to adopt an aggressive strategy rather than playing conservatively early on in the game to land the first blow.

“Just make sure you throw the first punch,” the 40-year-old said.

“In the past World Cups, I think they have been a bit conservative, sort of feeling their way into a game,” the South African continued.

“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,” de Villiers opined.

The former Protea batter also added that Indian star Virat Kohli is the best player in the world to handle the middle overs of a game and suggested that he should play at the crucial No.3 position, instead of opening the innings alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.

“I have always said please bat Virat at number three,” he urged.

De Villiers stated that it would be a wise move for the star batter to come in one-down considering the tournament has moved to the Caribbean for the second phase of the ICC showpiece.

“Especially in better wickets that they will play now, Virat is the go-to guy at number three,” the South African, who shared the dressing room with Kohli for a long time at Royal Challengers Bengaluru said.

The South African concluded by stating that Kohli has the ability to soak up pressure and take the game to the opposition depending on the demands of the situation, which makes him a world-beater.

“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,” he signed off.

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