5 Blunders RCB shouldn't commit in IPL 2021 UAE leg

2. Place AB de Villiers in the lower order

Although it has been over three years since AB de Villiers’ international retirement, the Proteas star is still a force to reckon with. The veteran can smash fours and sixes for fun, and his knack of not getting dismissed cheaply makes him an even greater asset. A player of such caliber should be utilized in the best way possible.

However, that wasn’t the case in the initial half of the season. De Villiers was given the number-five position. Hence, he came in the latter part of the innings more often than not. In fact, youngsters like Washington Sundar and Rajat Patidar were placed ahead of him. Notably, the 37-year-old tormented bowlers in that position as well, scoring 207 runs in seven games with his average and strike rate being over 50 and 160 respectively.

However, De Villiers might make an even greater if he bats in the top order. After all, it’s said that a team’s best batter should play the maximum amount of deliveries. Hence, Kohli can think about placing the South African talisman in the top four.