Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has heaped praise on AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli after Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Gujarat Lions to qualify for the final. A rare failure saw Virat Kohli being dismissed without scoring but then AB de Villiers played a match winning knock of 79 from 47 balls. Chasing 159, RCB were in a spot of bother after losing 6 wickets for only 69 but then an unbeaten partnership of 91 runs between de Villiers and Iqbal Abdulla helped RCB to qualify for their third IPL final.

“AB and Virat have taken batting to another level,” Gavaskar told Star Sports.

“AB’s flicked six off Jakati from a sweep-playing position was unbelievable. I thought he would play a scoop but it went miles over square leg.”

“AB de Villiers made every inch of the outfield burn. He can do anything,” Gavaskar said.

Praising Kohli, Gavaskar said that his commitment to the game is second to none. After injuring his hand a few days ago while fielding, Kohli is playing with stitches on his left hand.

“Kohli’s commitment is supreme. Despite stitches he gave his best in the field,” said the batting legend.

The win was RCB’s fifth win on the trot and Gavaskar said that RCB are now the favourites to be crowned champions of the ninth edition.

“RCB are playing terrific cricket. Anything can happen, but I think RCB will emerge as champions,” said Gavaskar.

Meanwhile, Akash Chopra slammed Gujarat Lions’ skipper Suresh Raina and said that it would be now tough for them to qualify for the finals.

“Suresh Raina hasn’t been an exceptional captain. He got few bowling changes wrong,” Aakash Chopra said.

“It will be tough for GL to enter final. This was their best chance.”