Ab de villiers big statement on Virat Kohli Batting in IPL 2025: South African legendary batsman AB de Villiers believes that Virat Kohli should control the game for his team while playing cricket wisely this season. RCB has added explosive batsmen like Phil Salat, Liam Livingstone, Tim David and Romio Shepherd to the team this season. In such a situation, de Villiers feels that Kohli does not need to worry about his strike rate and he can play more openly.
De Villiers supports Virat Kohli
De Villiers, who played for RCB for 11 seasons, said that Virat Kohli should just focus on controlling the game and batsmen like Phil Salat will help him. “Virat is enjoying his cricket. He does not need to increase the strike rate by batting with Salt. Salt is a very aggressive player and he will remove a lot of pressure from Virat. Virat should do what he has been doing for so many years. To control the game wisely and attack the right opportunity.”
De Villiers believes that Kohli should lead the batting order and ensure that the team remains balanced under any difficult situation. “Virat should become the leader of the batting unit in this tournament and handle things strategically. He has a tremendous understanding of reading the game.”
De Villiers said on criticism about Kohli
De Villiers also said that in the last few season, Kohli’s strike rate has been unnecessarily criticized, which would have affected him. “Virat has faced criticisms coming from outside. He is also a human being and he also suspects. But when the team needs them most, he forgets everything and gives his best performance.”
De Villiers said about the new captain Rajat Patidar
After Faf du Plessis departs, RCB has appointed silver Patidar as the new captain. According to de Villiers, the biggest challenge for the Patidar will be to maintain confidence in himself and to avoid copying Kohli or Faf captaincy. “Rajat Patidar must develop his own captaincy style. Instead of trying to be like Virat and Faf, they should take advantage of his experience.”
De Villiers said on a big season challenge for RCB
De Villiers also described the RCB schedule as a big challenge, as the team will have to travel to different places continuously. “RCB schedule is very difficult this season. They will have to travel continuously and play on different pitches. But the good thing is that the team looks balanced.”
RCB strength and weakness
AB de Villiers praised RCB’s strong batting lineup, but also said that the team lacks an experienced spinner. “RCB’s batting is extremely strong, but he will need an experienced spinner. However, Krunal Pandya is a great spinner and can also contribute with the bat.” This time RCB is landing in the season with a new captain and balanced team. AB de Villiers is confident that if Virat Kohli plays in his natural style and the team adopts the right strategy, then he can become a strong contender to win the title.