AB de Villiers is the most impactful match-winner in the IPL: Virat Kohli

Royal Challengers Bangalore completed an incredible 7-wicket victory over the Rajasthan Royals courtesy the genius that is AB de Villiers. Rajasthan skipper, Steve Smith decided to bat first after winning the toss and put a good total of 177 runs on the board.

Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal began the run chase for RCB. When Finch looked like he was about to dominate the match, leggie Shreyas Gopal dismissed him. The skipper, Virat Kohli, joined the youngster at the crease, where the pair stitched a 79-run partnership for the first wicket. When it came down to the death overs, RCB required 64 runs off 30 balls and it was time for AB de Villiers to display a batting master class yet again.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli expressed delight at getting those points on the board. “Importance has been getting points on board. You can see the way the team has played so far, it's all about individuals stepping up when the team needs them the most. We've been able to do that in this tournament. A good reason why we sit on 12 points. Was a very important game because it's three days now till we play again.”

The captain is all of us, just in awe of the Protean genius’ impressive batting and also credits Gurkeerat Singh for giving him a stand from the other end. 

“Very very happy right now. If we have to be honest, you are tense because you're not sure how many balls he will face (AB). When he's hitting them so well, things from the other end can be very different. Credit to Gurkeerat too, he struck a very important boundary. Stayed in there with AB,” said Virat Kohli.

“In my eyes, he's (AB) the most impactful match-winner in the IPL. When he goes the opposition knows they've got a slim chance. Purely because of the presence of that man in the middle the opposition feels we're not out of the game,” the 31-year-old added.

AB de Villiers was adjudged the man of the match for his unbeaten 55 runs off 22 balls. That innings saw him strike six maximums and a boundary.

“Extremely happy. I'm proud of my performances. Want to perform for my team. have an impact and that's winning games. Want to show owners I'm here for a good reason. Family watching, fans, all those things play a big part,” ABD was quoted as saying during the post-match presentation.

“I try and impose myself. Show that I'm present. Show that I'm going to stick to my gameplans and if they don't get me out I'm going to be a threat. It's a cat and mouse game. A game of chess, whatever you want to call it,” the 36-year-old concluded.