Virat Kohli praises AB de Villiers’s match-winning effort

IPL is a cluster of batting stars with every team boasting of one or the other icon. However, when it comes to camaraderie between the top two batters of the side, no other pair can match the one shared between Royal Challengers Bangalore’s AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.

Against Mumbai Indians, AB de Villiers was in his elements once again, ensuring that the team did not lag behind despite the skipper having an off-day. The South African’s quickfire fifty gave team the much-needed momentum in their second half of the innings.

The performance was droolworthy and Kohli’s assessment of the innings manifested how highly he rated the innings from AB.

“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 RCB managed to seal off a Super Over win against MI.

Kohli also was impressed with Navdeep Saini’s performance and the match-up against Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah, who is known for his death bowling expertise, bowled the Super Over to AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli. With just eight needed to seal the game, the duo kept their calm to see RCB go past the line.

“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,” signed off the RCB captain.