'I'm sort of fed up. I'm frustrated to say the least': AB de Villiers on Virat Kohli's IPL campaign

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has criticized "data-driven" cricket experts for questioning Virat Kohli's strike rate outside the powerplay in the ongoing Indian Premier League. Kohli has been in excellent form this season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, scoring 500 runs at a strike rate of 147 and an average of 77. He ranks second in the race for the season's Orange Cap.  

Also Read | Dew and absence of key bowlers hurt us: CSK skipper Gaikwad

AB de Villiers lashes out at critics for questioning Virat Kohli's strike rate

Despite this, the former India captain has frequently been attacked for his inability to take command against spinners, particularly in the middle overs, a point with which Kohli's old RCB partner de Villiers disagrees. De Villiers referred to Kohli as one of the best players who have ever played the game, stating that data-driven experts should avoid commenting on the veteran.  

"Virat Kohli catching criticism about his strike rate it's been going on for too long and I am sort of fed up with that now. I am frustrated to say the least. This guy is one of the best players to have ever played the game of cricket. He is incredible in the IPL, he plays a certain role for RCB," the South African said on his YouTube channel.

"I have pretty much enough of data-driven pundits who keep criticising this man (Kohli) when you don't have the knowledge of the game. How many games you played? How many IPL hundreds you scored? "All the people who talk about strike rates and not playing spin well are the ones talking about this stuff. For me, it's about winning the games for the team and there is a reason why you have done it for 15 years, you have done this day in and day out, you have won games for your teams." De Villiers feel Kohli has nothing to prove to anyone, and should just concentrate on his game.

"I am quite sure that if you haven't been been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game, it's not quite the same thing. For me, people can talk about their assumptions day in and day out but those who have done day in and day out, they know what's happening and it's a kind of muscle memory for me now.

"His strike rate, by the way, this season is even better than the record-breaking season he had not so long ago (2016 season). So, I don't know where the criticism is coming from. He is batting like a dream at the moment," he said.

Also Read | 'I am against this. Don't do that': MS Dhoni's selfish act called out

'Virat is best suited for number three', says AB de Villiers 

De Villiers' support came after Kohli lashed out at his critics following his 44-ball unbeaten 70 in RCB's nine-wicket victory against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad the previous day. The former South African batter, however, believes Kohli is most suited to RCB's No.3 position.  

"Virat has successfully batted with a proven formula that has brought victories for the team. The rest of the squad -- including the coach and captain -- need to strategise around Virat's successful approach. Personally, I still believe Virat is best suited for number three in the batting order.

"Though he loves opening and has an incredible record doing so, batting him at three would optimise this team's lineup with Will Jacks and Faf (du Plessis) opening. Putting Virat at three would give the openers the best opportunity to get off to a fast start," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)