IPL 2020: AB De Villiers Excited About RCB’s Current Squad And Optimistic About Their Chances
by Aayushmaan VishwanathanRoyal Challengers Bangalore star batsman AB De Villiers has expressed positivity about their squad and chances in the 2020 IPL edition. AB De Villiers has remained the bedrock of their side’s batting line-up for nine years; however, has not been able to guide them to the title. The former South African skipper will hope for the fortunes to turn around this time.
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RCB has remained one of the most underperforming sides in the tournament’s history. The franchise has not finished above sixth on the last three occasions, ending their campaign on the 8th spot in 2019 and 2017. The 2016 season was the last of the three times that the Virat Kohli-led side reached the finals and fell one step short of claiming the title. Death bowling has always been their Achilles heel; however, it seems they have all their bases covered for the upcoming season.
According to AB De Villiers, it’s a tricky one since every year it might feel like this is the team, which will get them to the top; however, he thinks this time, it’s genuinely different. The right-handed batsman highlighted that they might not have the best side; however, there is a fresh feel in the team and oozes excitement. De Villiers added that there are also a plethora of options and coaches and skipper have a lot to choose from.
“It’s a tricky one because we say that every season ‘aah, this year is our team’. I promise you this year it’s different. That’s all I can tell you. I won’t say we have got the best team but there is a fresh feel in the team that I can’t explain. It’s very exciting. Obviously, looking at the combinations there is backup where. There are options.
The coaches and Virat have options to find the best XI in the tournament. It’s not just AB is going to play every game, Parthiv is going to play every game or Dale Steyn. There are options in every single department — batting, bowling fielding, you name it. So it’s exciting,” the Pretoria born said as quoted by India Today.
AB De Villiers credits Virat Kohli for the hard-working environment:
AB De Villiers went on to laud captain Virat Kohli for instilling an excellent work ethic, bringing into the team members the willingness to keep working hard and get better. Bangalore open their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on the September of 21st.
“We have a really good work ethic. I won’t say it was different in the past but everyone has really bought into this hard-working environment,” De Villiers added.
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