'That is ultimately how I want to see him play' - AB de Villiers on how Virat Kohli can push RCB towards better results

People don't usually witness anyone in the cricketing fraternity advising how an absolute stalwart like Virat Kohli should pace his innings, and go about his batting in general. However, a certain South African and one of Kohli's really good friends, AB de Villiers, who along with Kohli, has spent more than a decade being an indispensable cog in the wheel for RCB, piling up 4522 runs in 157 matches at a mind-blogging strike rate of 158.63 and an incredible average of 41.10, expressed his thoughts on his YouTube channel. 

Owing to the encouraging start that Kohli has got underway with, being RCB and the tournament's leading run-scorer up until now, with 203 runs under his belt, De Villiers spoke on how he wanted Kohli to get past the powerplay, and ultimately be the "glue" for RCB in the middle phase. De Villiers wants fellow South African and RCB skipper Faf du Plessis to take charge from the outset. He said that the most plausible way for RCB to go hammer and tongs with a marauding display from the other batters in the unit would be if Kohli stuck around from over 6 to 15.

"Hopefully, he (Virat) keeps going with his good start, because RCB need that glue in the middle overs. We need him to get through the first six (overs), that is ultimately how I want to see him play. Let Faf take more risk upfront, but Virat, I want you to be there overs 6-15. That is when RCB is going to fire on all cylinders," De Villiers opined.

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Not a bad start, but not great: De Villiers on RCB's start to IPL 2024

While speaking on how he felt about RCB's start to IPL 2024, De Villiers presented mixed views, with him mentioning that even though it's not been a bad start, it's not been a good one either, with the team needing a couple of wins to be off and running. In light of RCB having to play three consecutive games away from home before returning to their own backyard, De Villiers hoped that the away fixtures bring them a much-needed stroke of luck.

"RCB; not a bad start, but not great. It is in the middle, and they need a couple of wins. They will be hitting the road and hopefully, they find a good fortune away from home before they come back to the Chinnaswamy," De Villiers stated.

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