The signing of Superman – A glance at one of AB de Villiers’ most rampant knocks at Chinnaswamy

They say the greatest of things happen by accidents, but do they? Well, a few believe while others say, it is all a conspiracy of the universe. Maybe it is or maybe not. After a silent start to the first couple of editions of the IPL, South African middle-order stalwart, AB de Villiers was released by the Delhi Daredevils - now rechristened as Delhi Capitals. What followed then? Well, in the 2011 auction, the Royal Challengers Bangalore spent a big chunk of their purse on signing de Villiers, knowing well that they were due to land a superhuman. 

Despite brewing glistening numbers in 2009, the fans weren’t exactly convinced as what followed suit post the second year of the tournament could very well have been touted as modest returns for a big-dollar buy. However, as they say, numbers are a naked lie, a statement that comes swathed in nuances. When you talk about T20 cricket, more than numbers, it is the exact context of the game that sets the tone. So what really took centerstage in 2012 that completely changed the mind of the fans? Well, an innings of belief that saw de Villiers raining hellfire upon the now-defunct Deccan Chargers and clinching a contest from the very jaws of defeat.

As we look back to the day on which RCB’s future Hall of Famer was roped in, here is a quick recapitulation of that very special knock carved by de Villiers in Chinnaswamy, sending the 12th Man Army berserk with exhilarations.

Batting first, the Deccan Chargers hammered 181/2, courtesy of Shikhar Dhawan’s unbeaten 73 in addition to Cameron White’s feisty 45 from 24 balls. The Royal Challengers bowlers could barely scratch the surface as Prasanth Parameswaran was the solitary one to claim a wicket while Muttiah Muralitharan put up an economical show.

Chasing 182, RCB were off to a flyer, thanks to Tillakaratne Dilshan, who blasted 71 up front while Chris Gayle anchored the innings at the other end. However, the fall of Gayle triggered a collapse and ushered in a boatload of uncertainties as the run rate stalled and from a comprehensive position, the hosts stared down the barrel.

Teetering at 106/3 from 13.5 overs, ABD walked out to bat and alongside him was Dilshan, who looked in pretty fiery touch himself until he was dismissed by Pratap Singh. An incoming Mayank Agarwal joined in with the South African hard-hitter and did a decent job of smashing 18 runs from just six balls.

De Villiers took it slow and didn’t bat an eyelid towards the leaping asking rate, knowing very well what he was capable of. It was in the 18th over, when the fans knew what had unleashed into the wild when the best fast bowler of the world at that point in time, Dale Steyn, was torn into shreds.

The first ball of the 18th over disappeared over deep mid-wicket as AB sat back in the crease and pulled a delivery from Steyn comfortably. The third ball of the over was the slower one from the pacer and somehow, his national compatriot knew exactly what his counterpart had concocted. He stayed rooted, and got his front foot cleared just in the nick of time, pumping another meaty blow, this time dissecting the gap between the deep mid-wicket and long-on.

Steyn knew that the time for oddities were over and it was time to unleash the ace of spades. He brought out a 146 kph toe-crusher, only for De Villiers to make room for himself and club it over extra cover for a maximum as the entire world stood agape. Oh are you done being amazed already? Believe us, we are just getting started.

The final ball of the over was another quicker one at 142 kph and was outside the off-stump that was convincingly swept over the short fine leg for another boundary. Extraterrestrial much? ABD, what can we say!

After Steyn got peppered, what chance did Anand Ranjan stand anyway? De Villiers welcomed the latter with a boundary first ball as he came shimmying down the track while carving one over the extra cover. The following one took a straighter trajectory, hurtling towards the ropes at a rocket’s speed.

ABD was in the mood for slaughter and a hapless Ranjan landed one short. The South African superstar needed no second invitation as he pulled it away with disdain. On the back of De Villiers’ brilliance, RCB won the contest with five wickets and seven balls to spare as the Protean thrilled the audience at the Chinnaswamy Stadium with his own brand of rock and roll.