IPL 2020: Virat Kohli deserves the credit for RCB’s strong work ethic, says AB de Villiers

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batsman AB de Villiers lauded captain Virat Kohli for leading from the front and setting high stands for the players.

Key Highlights

• AB de Villiers is a key player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore

• The legendary cricketer lauded RCB captain Virat Kohli for setting high standards

• AB also praised Kohli for leading from the front

Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers, who is an integral part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also remains to be one of the most popular overseas cricketers among Indian fans. Known for his unorthodox shots, Mr. 360 has entertained the Indian cricket fans with some breathtaking knocks for RCB in the past. De Villiers also shares an excellent camaraderie with RCB captain Virat Kohli.

On RCB’s show Bold Diaries, de Villiers spoke on various topics and lauded Kohli for leading from the front in terms of setting high standards for the squad.

On first getting to know of IPL 2020

About a month ago, we got the go ahead from RCB and the BCCI did some fantastic work to get it all approved and to get the IPL happening this year. We are all very excited. It’s great to be back with the family, feeling better than ever. So I am really looking forward to get out there with the boys.

On Virat Kohli leading from the front

We have worked so hard. We have a really really good work ethic. It feels like everybody has bought into this hard working environment. Credit has to go to Virat for that. He leads by example and sets the standard and it’s pretty easy to follow when you have a captain leading from the front. His influence has been fantastic. I am looking forward to see the final product of this hard work we are putting in.

On uncertainty of coming back after long break

I have felt like that quite often in my career. It’s natural to get breaks here and there. Or the schedule allows a two-month break where there’s no action. And then there are injuries. Then you are out for 5-6 months when you might be in the best form of your life. I know that feeling very well, coming back from a big break, feelling the uncertainty and the doubt of whether we will be able to reach that form again. It’s amazing how you can get back into the groove of things and find that confidence within yourself and still nothing guarantees performance but that’s the beauty of sport – you don’t know what to expect but we got to go and give our best.

On balance of RCB squad for IPL 2020

It’s a tricky one, because we say that every season – oh this is our year. I promise you, this year it’s different. There’s a different feel in the team this year which I can’t explain, but it’s very exciting. Looking at combinations, there is back up everywhere. The coaches and Virat have options to find the best XI.