IPL 2021: “He hasn’t played for five months, but just watch that innings” – Virat Kohli heaps praise on AB de Villiers


IPL 2021: “He hasn’t played for five months, but just watch that innings” – Virat Kohli heaps praise on AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers was the hero for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the side’s close one-run victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in Ahmedabad as he helped them to a competitive total in the first innings with a vintage knock. With the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and Glenn Maxwell all dismissed early, it was left to the South African to deliver for his side an deliver he did.

ADVERTISEMENT

Taking calculated risks at first, he soon grew in stature and completely demolished the DC bowling attack at the death. Taking the side to a score of 171, de Villiers had set the tone for the bowlers to come good. Although it turned out to be a close contest in the end with Shimron Hetmyer hitting balls at will, RCB held their nerve and excellently so to climb to the top of the table yet again.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers react to South African’s knock

AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers

At the post-match presentation, RCB skipper Virat Kohli spoke about de Villiers’ knock and said, “We lost wickets but AB went berserk and then in the last few overs while bowling Hetmyer got hold of a few, otherwise we were in control. AB doesn’t like me saying this, but he hasn’t played competitive cricket for 5 months, but if you look at him bat it doesn’t feel like he doesn’t play international cricket anymore. Hats off to him, keeps doing it again and again for us. Such an asset for us. I’ll say this again (smiles). He hasn’t played for five months, just watch that innings.”

AB de Villiers was meanwhile, awarded the Man of the Match and he said, “I worked out at home and during the quarantine in the hotel room, and now it’s just about managing ourselves throughout the tournament and being fresh when we go out there to play. Myself, Virat and Maxi chip in with some help to youngsters when we can too. I forced myself to say a bit more behind the stumps, thanks to Yuzi who urged me to do it.”

ADVERTISEMENT

RCB’s next match is against PBKS on the 30th of April.

Also Read: IPL 2021: “We like to learn from each game” – Rishabh Pant reflects on agonizing one-run defeat to RCB

Also Read; IPL 2021: Twitter reacts as sandstorm stops play ahead of second innings