IPL 2020: ‘I wish I was AB de Villiers’, says RCB captain Virat Kohli

IPL 2020: ‘I wish I was AB de Villiers’, says RCB captain Virat Kohli
AB de Villiers (L) and Virat Kohli

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) skipper Virat Kohli, so far, has struggled to score runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. In three matches, Kohli got out on scores of 14, 1 and 3. On Monday (September 29) against defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), Kohli dismissed for three, hitting a ball bowled by leg spinner Rahul Chahar to Rohit Sharma at covers, capping off another innings.

Meanwhile, while Kohli is struggling with his form in IPL 2020, star batsman AB de Villiers is in good touch. The former South Africa skipper scored a brilliant 55 runs off 24 balls with four fours and sixes and this was his second fifty in three games. AB last played cricket in January when he participated in Big Bash League while Kohli was seen playing competitive cricket in February before the lockdown.

“I wish I was AB to be honest (chuckles). He was coming after a long break. The way he batted and some of the shots he played was outstanding. Getting stuck into the bowlers and only he can do that best. He keeps things simple and doesn’t watch a lot of cricket. Enjoys his life and comes out here, backs his ability. He’s relaxed and that’s exactly what we want from him,” Kohli said after the match.

Outstanding Super Over from Navdeep Saini: Virat Kohli

Navdeep Saini

Kohli led RCB defeated MI in the Super Over with Navdeep Saini bowling a terrific over. Then Ab de Villiers and captain Kohli chased seven runs to secure second win for RCB. This close and thrilling win definitely gives confidence to the team as they look forward to lifting their maiden IPL title this season.

“I don’t have words right now. It was such a roller-coaster game. I think they played really well and patiently in the middle. It went down to the wire, we tried to execute the things we wanted to. We’ve got a close victory and these little things on the field; we really want to focus on it. It was all about stepping onto the field and taking responsibility,” he said.

“It was a good match-up against Jasprit. Top-quality cricket and games like these, people would love to watch. The changes that we made, make Washi bowl in the PP paid off. Gurkeerat didn’t get a chance to bat. The guys showed good character. Outstanding Super Over from him (Saini). He used the yorkers and wide balls to good effect. This should boost us going forward,” he added.

The Challenges will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next clash on Saturday (September 3) at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Dubai.

Also read: IPL 2020: ‘Kohli is the best of the best’ : Kevin Pietersen backs Virat Kohli ahead of RCB’s match against Mumbai Indians