IPL 2018 | Each year the IPL feels bigger and brighter, says AB de Villiers

04/08/2018

South African talisman AB de Villiers has been a part of RCB for eights years running and the hard-hitting batsman highlighted the growth of the IPL over the years to become a global sporting phenomenon. De Villiers added that he could not wait to get started as they face KKR at Eden Gardens today.

The epic trio of West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle, Indian maestro Virat Kohli, and South African superstar AB de Villiers were touted as ‘the dream three’ when the RCB acquired their services in the past. Having failed to live up to their true potential, the Bangalore-based franchise has opted to take a different approach this time around.

De Villiers, who has been associated with the IPL since 2008, was earlier part of the Delhi Daredevils squad in the initial stages of the IPL. Since then he has been part of the RCB squad for eight successive seasons and has seen the IPL grow from a domestic league to a global sporting phenomenon.

“This may be the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League, and my eighth campaign with RCB, but the general level of anticipation already seems greater than ever. Each year, the IPL feels bigger and brighter… it is a global sporting phenomenon. The RCB class of 2018 is exciting, a balance of youth and experience, fresh and resolved to delight our supporters around the country, to realise our potential on the field and, hopefully, to take the trophy,” wrote the 34-year-old in today’s TOI.

De Villiers, who celebrated his 34th birthday a few weeks ago, admitted that he was still like an excited child ahead of the 2018 IPL tournament. He added that the last year’s loss to KKR at Eden Gardens was still fresh in their minds and they could not wait to avenge that.

“It’s a tough start. Nobody in our organisation needs reminding we were bowled out for 49 at Eden Gardens last year, but we’re looking forward, not back… looking to attack with both bat and ball, to play with energy, flair and courage.

“There was excitement and nerves when I reached my hotel room, and saw everything had been delivered and neatly laid out: every part of the new RCB kit looks fantastic and my MRF bats, gloves and pads are exceptional. It is still such a huge privilege for me to play cricket in India; the enthusiasm, and the excitement and the nerves are all contagious. Let’s get going. Let’s get stuck in,” De Villiers wrote.

IPL 2018 | Each year the IPL feels bigger and brighter, says AB de Villiers

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