AB de Villiers is a genius: Aakash Chopra

At 37 AB de Villiers continues to be one of the most impactful players in the Indian Premier League. In his decade-long career with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Protea has emerged as someone the team just cannot do without. In addition to his batting, the bonhomie that he shares with his teammates and the leadership inputs that he brings to the table, make him a valuable asset for the Challengers.

Former India batsman Aakash Chopra termed AB de Villiers a genius citing the fact that ABD was in his elements despite batting a position lower in the batting order this season.

ABD, who had traditionally batted at number four for the team, was batting at five this season for the team’s balance. But the Superman, with his ability to adapt to the conditions and the opponents, ended up playing match-winning knocks.

"AB de Villiers is a genius. It is because all of us were saying that he should be batted up the order because the more deliveries you give him, the more impact he will have. But RCB was sending him at No.5. If you are sending him at No.5, how will the team and he do well? But AB de Villiers said it does not matter to him whether you play him at No.5 or in Mars, he will be absolutely fine," said Chopra on his Youtube channel.

"The knock he played against KKR was an absolute belter of an innings. He hit a flurry of fours and sixes while no one was able to score runs on that ground in the last four overs. But it was the class of AB de Villiers, who delivered once again," he added.

AB’s 76 off just 34 balls against KKR managed to take RCB past the 200-run mark to 204/4 in 20 overs. The Challengers won the contest by 38 runs.

RCB were third in the points table - with five wins in seven matches - before the tournament was suspended due to COVID-19 cases. But trust the genius to resume from where he started as and when the tournament returns for the remaining matches.