AB de Villiers Backs Virat Kohli's Calm Approach for RCB in IPL 2023
AB de Villiers Discusses Virat Kohli's Role in RCB
New Delhi [India] March 19: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star AB de Villiers expressed his views on Virat Kohli's performance and significance for RCB this season. He noted that Kohli appeared very composed while batting last year and believes there’s little need for him to alter his approach; AB de Villiers shared these insights on Jio Hotstar.
De Villiers also commended Phil Salt for his aggressive batting style, labeling him as one of the most dynamic players in the IPL. He emphasized that Kohli should continue to manage the game as he has consistently done over the years. He praised Kohli's instincts and suggested he should lead RCB's batting lineup.
“I genuinely believe RCB has the potential to succeed this season. Kohli seemed calm and collected during the last IPL, and he appears to be relishing his cricket, particularly in the Champions Trophy, where his enjoyment was evident. I don’t think he needs to change much. Partnering with Phil Salt, one of the most aggressive players we've seen in the IPL and other competitions, will alleviate some pressure from him,” de Villiers stated on Jio Hotstar.
“Virat just needs to continue doing what he has been doing: controlling the game. He possesses the best instincts of any player, knowing precisely when to speed up or slow down. I believe he should take charge of the batting department this season, ensuring the team remains stable and plays strategically. Given the frequent travel and venue shifts, avoiding batting collapses will be vital, and Virat will be instrumental in that,” he added.
De Villiers also mentioned that Kohli has faced undue criticism over the years. He acknowledged that Kohli is performing well, but external pressures have affected him. He shared that he experienced similar challenges during his own career.
“I feel that Virat has faced unnecessary scrutiny in recent seasons. He is batting exceptionally well. Of course, outside noise can impact players—it happens to everyone. I went through it during my career as well. It may not directly affect performance, but it’s something that crosses your mind—we're all human,” he remarked.
He further discussed Kohli's T-20 cricket, stating that when it comes to the team, Kohli is fully focused and sets everything else aside. He highlighted Kohli's commitment to the Champions Trophy 2025 and believes he still has a lot to offer in T-20 cricket.
“The remarkable thing about Virat is that when he steps onto the field for his team, he blocks out all distractions—it’s all business. You could see his concentration during the Champions Trophy. Although he may have announced his retirement from international T-20 cricket, I believe he still has plenty left to give. With RCB's current batting lineup, I don’t think he’ll feel excessive pressure. He just needs to go out there and play his game, which is when he truly excels,” he concluded.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru is set to face the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the season opener on Saturday, March 22, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.