AB de Villiers praised Virat Kohli

12

A team of fighting players is needed to reduce the pressure on Virat Kohli.

New Delhi. Former great South African batsman AB de Villiers believes that the ‘team of fighting players’ will reduce the pressure on Virat Kohli. This will give the defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) the necessary boost to succeed in IPL 2026. Kohli is a key player for RCB and will be looking to retain the title they won last season after a long wait of 18 years.

fighting spirit in the team

De Villiers told Geostar, “Virat is now realizing that he does not have to carry the burden alone. There is a team around him which is loaded to win. I believe that RCB is in a very good position. This team is almost the same, with not many changes, and they have good chances for a great performance in the season ahead.”

Confidence in Kohli’s preparation

Although Kohli has been on a break since last January, de Villiers expressed apprehension that the Indian star will enter the IPL fully prepared. He said, “Virat is the best hard worker I have seen in my life. He will not enter this tournament without complete preparation.”

RCB’s chances of consecutive wins

The former veteran confirmed that RCB are now looking forward to becoming consistent title contenders. De Villiers said, “Kohli often used to say in the dressing room, ‘If we win once, we can soon win twice, even three times.’ I am confident that RCB is now in a position where they can achieve consecutive wins. Maybe they even win two or three trophies.”

Possibility of new shots from Kohli

Former India spinner Anil Kumble said that it would not be a surprise if Kohli is seen with new shots in this IPL season. Kumble said, “If he tries a different style this season, like tries a ‘scoop shot’ or a ‘reverse scoop’, it will not be surprising.”

greatness in challenging yourself

Kumble further said, “We have seen AB de Villiers doing this for many years and Virat can also add such new dimensions to his batting. Great players are always trying to improve and challenge themselves.”