Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli was in awe of AB de Villiers, who produced another batting masterclass in RCB’s 7-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals, calling him the most impactful player in the history of Indian Premier League.
RCB needed 76 off just 41 balls when AB de Villiers walked in, and within a couple of minutes, he started treating RR bowlers with disdain. De Villiers hit 6 sixes and 1 boundary as he smashed 55 from just 22 balls.
AB de Villiers smashed Jaydev Unadkat all around the park in the 19th over, bringing down the equation from 35 off 11 balls to just 9 off the last over. Thanks to de Villiers’s fireworks, RCB managed to chase down 178 on a slowing wicket and seal a 7-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Dubai on Saturday.
RR vs RR, IPl 2020: Highlights | Report
“The individuals are stepping up and we’ve been done that all through the tournament, which is why we have 12 points. Very happy right now because after this we get three days off,” Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“To be honest, you’re always tense in the chase because you’re not sure how many balls AB is going to get. Credit to Gurkeerat as well, he stuck with AB, got that important boundary.
“It doesn’t matter who the bowler is, he does what he does. AB has always been someone who’s been ready to look at the situation and adapt his game accordingly.
“In my eyes, he’s the most impactful player in the IPL. If he goes, the opposition know they have a slim chance and there’s a good reason for that,” Kohli was full of praises for AB de Villiers.
“It’s purely because of the presence of someone like him that teams feel we are never out of the team. [Opening?] No our game pattern is very clear.
Chris Morris has been brilliant: Virat Kohli
“Young Dev has batted beautifully, finchy has played some impact innings. We understand the dynamics and we’re sticking to our plans. The bowling has really stepped up this season.
Steve Smith-led from the front with a counterattacking 36-ball 57 and guided Rajasthan Royals to 177 for six against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Smith struck six fours and one maximum before Chris Morris bowled a brilliant final over, conceding only four runs while taking two wickets to check RR from going past 180. Morris finished with excellent figures of 4/26 in four overs
“Looks we’re gonna be put under pressure but the guys have come back strongly. Morris has been brilliant, just that energy he brings. Saini, Washy and Isuru as well, the bowling has come together well,” Kohli added.