AB de Villiers: Wife helped me get through my mental block

De Villiers was on the mic during the Punjab innings, as he spoke to commentator Sanjay Manjrekar about his instant return to form on his comeback to the Royal Challengers side after missing the first two games due to a back injury. The South African ace admitted that he was facing a mental block more than anything else.

"I did surprise myself. It is a more mental thing than anything else, it’s not like you become a bad player overnight, the rustiness you refer to is more self-doubt, which was there over the last few days. I phoned my wife just before the game telling her that I am doubting myself a bit but I surprised myself and played a few good shots," he said.

De Villiers also revealed that the telephone chat with his wife was the inspiration behind his knock. "She was actually lying next to my boy, sleeping, when I asked for her advice and she had to call back a few minutes later. She told me that she backs me and to stay calm and that she was on her way, arriving tomorrow, so I think that was the inspiration,” de Villiers added

The South African scored a whirlwind 89 off 46 balls studded with three fours and nine sixes as Bangalore finished at 148 for four in 20 overs, but his efforts were in vain as Punjab chased down the target with 8 wickets to spare.   

You can watch highlights from De Villiers innings here.