Virat Kohli: I wish I was AB de Villiers

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Virat Kohli AB de Villiers

Royal Challengers Banglore skipper Virat Kohli is in awe of AB de Villiers who produced a match-winning display in RCB’s super over triumph over the Mumbai Indians.

De Villiers struck 55 from just 24 balls to power RCB to 201 for 5 in their 20 overs and then helped Kohli chase eight runs in the super over.

Virat Kohli in awe of AB de Villiers

The former Proteas skipper was unable to accept his man of the match award due to severe dehydration with Kohli accepting the award on his behalf.

When Mark Nicholas jokingly asked Kohli to pretend he was de Villiers, the RCB skipper quipped: ” I wish I was AB de Villiers to be honest!”

De Villiers came into the Indian Premier League having not played any cricket since the 18 July three-team cricket exhibition. The South African has been in good touch aggregating 134 runs in three innings at IPL 13 to date, impressing Kohli in the process.

“I think he was coming off a long break,” the RCB skipper added. 

“Some of the shots he played were outstanding. Good with the gloves as well. You speak with him and he keeps things simple. Doesn’t watch a lot of cricket, enjoys his life, enjoys his golf. Comes out here relaxed and backs his ability.”

RCB need killer instinct

Kohli was less pleased with his team’s failure to close out the game after getting Mumbai on the ropes in the chase.

“We batted really well to get past 200 and the start with the ball was outstanding as well. They played well in the middle overs, patiently, waiting for the dew to kick in. 

“I hope we didn’t think we’d done the job. Fielding is something we have to keep working on. 

“If we’d taken out chances again it wouldn’t have been so close. As I said, these little things we’re not capitalising on, we need to work on.”

Kohli said that he chose de Villiers to bat out the super over with him due to his ability to push for twos. In the end an errant bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah allowed de Villiers to find the boundary and Kohli, needing 1 run to win off the final ball, struck another four to clinch victory for RCB.

“I thought about, Jasprit’s going to bowl and use the longer boundary,” Kohli said. 

“Thought about who are the best guys to come back for twos and it was me and AB.

“It was a good match with Jasprit being the best bowler they have. We felt he’s in the game, we’re in the game, and that’s what the people love.”

AB de Villiers Virat Kohli

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