Former Royal Challengers Bangalore legendary player AB de Villiers believes Hardik Pandya led Gujarat Titans to win back-to-back titles in the IPL 2023.
Ab de Villiers clarifies that he really wants his favourite team RCB to win their maiden title, but he predicts that Gujarat Titans are the clear favourites to win the title defying all the odds. The 39-year-old was an integral part of RCB’s squad in his playing days in the IPL. He feels that RCB has a balanced side and enough firepower to qualify for the playoffs.
Ab de Villiers in an interview with NDTV said when asked about his prediction for the potential winner of IPL 2023 he said:
“A long time ago, during the IPL auction, I had said that Gujarat Titans are going to go back-to-back. I am going to stick to that, even though I really want RCB to win. Since last year I have felt that they have a really great team, very well-balanced. They have enough power. Hopefully, RCB goes all the way.”
“Virat Kohli looks much more relaxed than ever” – AB de Villiers
Virat Kohli was in top-class form in RCB’s opening game of the season against Mumbai Indians scoring a match-winning knock of 82 runs off 49 balls. His phenomenal innings powered RCB home comfortably by 8 wickets.
AB de Villiers part of the insider’s commentary panel on Jio Cinema said he has never seen Virat Kohli being so happy and laughing during interviews. He looks more relaxed after relinquishing the captaincy. I’m glad he played so well against Mumbai Indians.
“I have not seen much change, everything is similar. The technique looks solid; he has got good balance at the crease. He is still that ‘busy’ player with a lot of energy at the wicket. I just feel, this season he has come in looking really fresh. I have seen some of his interviews where he is laughing more than ever.
Letting the captaincy go last season played a big role in him relaxing. He was a fantastic captain but he did it for a long period of time both internationally and also at the IPL which can be daunting. You never get time off to chill or spend with family or have a laugh with some friends. I think that is his mantra for this season, just to go out and have fun, keep smiling.”
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