De Villiers’s 360 degree wagon wheel

Over the last few months, AB has taken his aggression to a completely different level. Can he replicate the form in RCB colours?

This doesn’t happen very often in a match — Morne Morkel bowling to AB de Villiers. The beauty of the IPL is that teammates in international cricket become rivals here. Morkel versus AB could be a fascinating contest as Kolkata Knight Riders face Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

Over the past few months, AB has been in the mood for tearing apart bowling attacks. At times he has taken the aggression to a different level – during his world record 31-ball hundred against West Indies at New Wanderers in January and a 66-ball 162 not out against the same opposition in the World Cup.

Interestingly, AB implements his innovations judiciously in the nets. During Bangalore’s practice session on Thursday, his preparation was simple. He started off with some stretching, did some ground fielding, took a few high catches and then walked into the nets. Ashok Dinda attempted a yorker, AB dug it out. Pretty conventional. He did two stints and concentrated on playing straight. Those ramps, laps and scoops – he did some shadow-practice.

Today it was different. AB had lengthy sessions in the nets and unveiled his full repertoire. A couple of lofted inside-out drives were magnificent. A cheeky scoop followed. He was timing the ball well.

CHANGING THE GAME

Morkel knows how his South African team mate can change his game, and the complexion of the match, in no time. “He scores 360 degrees around the wicket. One thing about him is that as soon as he sees the field placement he will sum it up and work his gameplan around it and play the sweeps and reverse sweeps,” said Morkel.

He admitted it would be a tough challenge, bowling against AB.

“If you bowl short, he will hit you for a six. If you miss your yorker, he will punish you. So the best thing is to try and enjoy the contest between bat and ball and execute your plan as best as possible.”

AB was not quite in his elements in the IPL last year, a couple of game-changing innings notwithstanding. A total of 395 runs in 14 matches was modest by his lofty standards. But if he can carry forward his current international form to this edition of the tournament, Bangalore will have little worries.

Source:: Indian Express