I feel a special connection with Virat Kohli: AB de Villiers

Former South African skipper AB de Villiers recently stepped down as the captain of the ODI side. He felt the need to balance out things in order to prolong his international career. Now, as per the quotes in Sportstarlive, he mentioned that he aspires to play 3 to 5 years more for the national colors. He revealed that the cricket board in South Africa has been very kind and understanding to him.

He needed some time off the field to be with his family and the CSA allowed him that. Adding further, he noted that he feels fresh and hence aims to get back on the field for South Africa in all the three formats of the game.

“Maybe three to five years or even more. The ICC is constantly working to create the perfect balance between not playing so much and not playing too little. But being off from the game is an individual call. I am close to the administrators in Cricket South Africa and a few other people. So, when I told them I need step away for a few months to touch base with my family, they allowed. They know that I have been dedicated to my nation for 13 years. Now I feel refreshed and I am ready to go hard for a few more years,” quoted AB de Villiers.

On playing Tests

So the next big question that comes is when and where would he make a comeback in the longest format. AB de Villiers remarked that he cannot get into the team straightaway and will have to prove his mettle before doing so. However, setting personal targets, he hopes to play in the Tests later this year when the Indian team tours South Africa.

“I haven’t played Tests for a while, so I have no right to just walk into the team. I will try to be in my best possible form, so that I am selected for the series. There is a lot of cricket to be played before that. India always gave us a run for money and it will be a hard-fought series. There could be a bit of turn in the Durban wicket, but, hopefully, we will be able to handle that,” said the veteran batsman.

On a slightly different note, he spoke about giving priority to the international cricket. He mentioned that the T20 leagues are fun and always good for the players. But when it comes to setting the priorities, nothing beats the international cricket.

“The IPL has been an incredible blessing and I have enjoyed every second, but cricket in South Africa is my first priority. It will be the same for any South African cricketer. When you realise the corners are cut off and you can’t represent the country anymore, then there is no problem if you play in India, Australia or England. You should do what makes you happy, but at heart, the priority should be for the home country,” he added further.

On changing grips and bonhomie with Virat Kohli

Over the last few years, there have been two players who have emerged out to be the perfect batsmen in all the three formats. One of them is AB and the other is the Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Both players share the dressing room in the IPL for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Time and again, both players have cited one another as the best in the world.

When asked about he same, he maintained that he has a special connection with Virat. Also, he hailed him as a top class player. Speaking on the technicalities, AB noted that he is not a firm believer of changing grips whilst playing. Also, he feels a strong defense is what defines a good batsman.

“I never changed grips. I have heard Virat Kohli talk about changing the grips when playing those shots. Many a times, I have struggled to pick bowlers, but the trick is, you need to put your chest out and show that you are picking him. Saeed Ajmal has been difficult to pick. A batsman should back his defence. You can have all the shots in your book but if the bowler gets on top, you will be dismissed unless you have a solid defence,” quoted AB de Villiers.

“We are completely different players. He says I am the best, which I don’t believe. But he is one of the best I have seen. I feel a special connection with Virat,” he conceded.