Cricket

IPL 2020: Virat Kohli reveals why AB de Villiers was sent at number six against KXIP

The Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli has revealed why the in-form AB de Villiers was demoted in the batting order against KXIP at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

It was surprising to note Washington Sundar and Shivam Dube batting ahead of AB de Villiers, as he has been in sublime form. However, Kohli revealed the plan was to keep the right and left-hand batting combination at the crease.

Furthermore, Kohli added that they didn’t want AB de Villiers to face KXIP leg-spinners – Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi. The RCB captain admitted that the plan didn’t work out as they had hoped for.

It was a surprising decision from the RCB’s think tank as AB had played a fine knock of 73 runs off just 33 balls against KKR in the last match at the same ground of Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

However, when AB de Villiers came out to bat against KXIP, only four overs were left. AB could not hit the ground running and he was dismissed by Mohammed Shami after scoring two runs from five balls.

The stratagem from RCB was peculiar as it makes sense that the best batsman of the team should get the opportunity to face maximum balls. The decision backfired as RCB could only post 171 runs, which was not enough in the end.

Virat Kohli said in the post-match ceremony, “We had a chat, a message from outside was about left-right combination and we wanted to go with it because they had two leg-spinners. Sometimes things don’t come off. We’re pretty happy with the decisions we took, but it didn’t come off”.

In fact, Virat Kohli also could not change gears despite getting settled as he scored 48 from 39 balls. Chris Morris was able to add the finishing touches as he scored a blistering cameo of 8-ball 25.

Kings XI Punjab was able to get over the line in the end by eight wickets. KL Rahul and Chris Gayle added a fine alliance of 93 runs after a good opening partnership between Punjab’s skipper and Mayank Agarwal. In fact, Punjab almost messed up the run chase as Nicholas Pooran scored the winning runs off the last ball.

RCB will aim to get back to winning ways and come up with better performance. RCB will next face Rajasthan Royals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 17th October.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024