'If you need me with the ball in hand, I'll be there' - AB de Villiers tells Virat Kohli ahead of IPL 2020

Former South African cricketer and IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore superstar AB de Villiers recently opined on his bowling skills, hot and humid conditions of the middle-east and the quality of the cricket that will be played in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League which is slated to run from September 19 to November 10 across three venues namely Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

AB forms an integral part of RCB’s batting line-up and this time it is expected that he will be donning the gloves too in the 2020 edition of the T20 extravaganza to essay the role of a wicketkeeper for the team instead of their regular wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel. However, the South African revealed that he is ready to roll his arm over and bowl one or two overs if the skipper Virat Kohli wants. De Villiers jokingly added that he has always told Virat to count him in for handling the bowling department too.

“I’ve always joked with Virat (Kohli) and I told him two nights ago, ‘If you need me with the ball in hand, I’ll be there’. I’ve never been a great bowler but I love toying around and keeping things fresh out there,” AB said in an episode of the ‘Bold Dairies’.

Guys are coming back with this rediscovered energy: AB de Villiers

The players will be facing the unbearable heat of the UAE during the matches and will have to get accustomed to it to utilize their full potential. Speaking about the harsh weather conditions of the Arab country, AB recalled that he had faced a similar situation before while playing a Test match in Chennai against India in the month of July. The batsman added that the weather will play an important part as the players will have to save their energy for the whole match.

“I’m not used to these conditions, and it reminds me of a Test we played in July in Chennai. Viru (Virender Sehwag) scored a hundred, and the humidity is similar to that. It seems to be getting better. It’ll definitely play a part, and it’s important to save that energy for the last part of innings,” the Proteas cricketer said.

Talking about the quality of the game, the 36-year-old reckoned that the fans might see an improved version of the players as all are coming after a long pandemic-induced break and will be desperate to play their best. Also, the break would have helped the players in getting the much-needed break and rejuvenating their bodies.