IPL 2020 | Still looks as if the AB de Villiers of 2011 is in action, elates Virat Kohli

After having failed miserably in winning the IPL trophy in the last 12 editions of the IPL, RCB will finally look to break the shackles this time around as Virat Kohli feels the present side is the most balanced one they've had since they last made it to the finale of the cash-rich league in 2016. The Indian skipper, who has looked in fine touch in the nets, added that the youngsters are looking forward to performing well and claimed that with the experience and skill-set of the players, the franchise is pumped about the 13th edition of the IPL.

"We've got a great balance of experience, the skill required for T20 cricket and the youngsters in the team who are eager to take up the responsibility and look forward to opportunities that we're going to provide them. It's an exciting time.

"As I said, that 2016 season which we've all loved to be a part of, it was such a memorable season. Since then, to be honest, this is the most balanced I've felt about the squad, as a system where we're heading. It's been very well taken care of now, it's up to us to execute those things on the field. We've never felt so calm going into a season before," Kohli told RCB TV as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo. 

AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli are the most important components of the side and they share a great partnership which even extends beyond the boundaries of cricket. Having seen AB closely in all these years with RCB and otherwise, Kohli believes that the South African legend is in a great space and is as 'fit' as ever. 

"He [de Villiers] is coming from a very different space, he's been enjoying his life, is relaxed. He came out to play and is looking like playing in 2011 still - he's as fit as ever. I'm in a much better space, more balanced when it comes to the IPL environment.

"It's about disconnecting with things that have happened in the past and not taking that baggage. We've done that way too many times. Just because we have a bunch of players who are so skilled and people like seeing them play, that's why people have had expectations. We're not going to think of what-ifs, we know what we can do, we're very keen and hungry to do it."

Kohli & Co's first quest will be against David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dubai International Stadium on September 21.