IPL 2020: A superhuman effort - Virat Kohli praises AB de Villiers

RCB skipper Kohli lauds AB de Villierss quickfire 33-ball 73 on a dry Sharjah pitch, where other batsmen struggled

Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli said AB de Villiers's match-wining 73 against Kolkata Knight Riders was a "superhuman" effort as "every other batsmen" struggled on the dry Sharjah pitch. RCB registered a massive 82-run win on the back of De Villiers's unbeaten 33-ball blitzkrieg and the guile of Yuzvendra Chahal (1-12) and Washington Sundar (2-20), who were instrumental in stifling KKR to 112 for nine chasing 195.

"This pitch was drier. And the day was pleasant so we thought there would be no dew. Barring one superhuman, every batsman struggled on the pitch. The talk was around getting 165, but we got 194 you know exactly why. It was unbelievable," Kohli said at the post-match presentation.

'It felt good'

"I thought I had a few balls under my belt, and I might start striking. He [De Villiers] just came in and struck the third ball, and said he felt good. You might see a lot of people do what is done in other games, but only AB can do what he did. It was a fabulous knock." Kohli, who remained not out on 33 from 28 balls, said it was only thanks to the genius of De Villiers that his side got to 194-2. "I was happy we could string together a partnership [of 100 runs], and mine was the best seat to watch from."

Talking about the win, Kohli said, "It is a tremendous win against a very strong side. Heading into a busy week for us, it was important to start off well. The bowling unit looks that much more potent with Chris Morris coming back." De Villiers, who was adjudged Man-of-the-Match, said he surprised himself with a stupendous knock.

I was surprised: De Villiers

"I got a duck last game, that is a terrible feeling. I am very happy that I contributed. I surprised myself today to be honest. We were headed towards 140-150, and I thought I might try for 160-165, but I was surprised we reached 194," said the star South African batsman. "The margins are very small when Cummins and Russell are running in, and you need to use every bit of energy in you to keep the momentum going. I felt that energy in the bus already." Asked about keeping wickets, he said, "Keeping is a different skill. I am working really really hard so that I am up to the mark. I want to be the best that there is."

Keep scrolling to read more news

Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!