Former Royal Challengers Bangalore batting legend AB de Villiers backs Gujarat Titans to retain their title in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League. The defending champions started their campaign very well by winning the first two games in the league stage.
Ahead of the season, AB de Villiers was inducted into the Hall of Fame along with the legendary Chris Gayle by retiring their respective jersey number for the franchise. Though the former South African skipper wants his former franchise to win the championship, he believes Gujarat Titans have a very good chance of defending champions.
“Very difficult one. A long time ago, during the IPL auction, I had said that Gujarat Titans are going to go back-to-back. I am going to stick to that, even though I want RCB to win. Since last year I have felt that they have a great team, very well-balanced. They have enough power. Hopefully, RCB goes all the way,” Ab de Villiers said.
Many experts did not give Gujarat Titans a chance in their first season as they clinched the championship under the inspiring leadership of Hardik Pandya, who will once again retain the trophy for the franchise.
You Never Get Time Off To Chill – Ab de Villiers On Captaincy Pressure
Ab de Villiers believes that letting go of captaincy helped Virat Kohli to rediscover his game in cricket and said that though he brilliant captain, the pressure of captaincy can be daunting times and added that he can be far more relaxed to concentrate on his game
“I think letting the captaincy go last season played a big role in him relaxing. He was a fantastic captain but he did it for a long period both internationally and also at the IPL which can be daunting. You never get time off to chill or spend with family or have a laugh with some friends. I think that is his mantra for this season, just to go out and have fun, keep smiling,” de Villiers said.
AB de Villiers is currently part of Jio Cinema as the commentator feels they are no much change in his technique and added that he will always play with a lot of energy in the field and reckons that Kohli will do well in this edition of the Indian Premier League 2023.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will take Kolkata Knight Riders as they will return to the iconic Eden Gardens after three long years in high octane clash on Thursday.