5 ways in which India could counter the AB de Villiers phenomenon

5 ways in which India could counter the AB de Villiers phenomenon: He scores runs all round the world and to every corner of the field. He is not afraid to dance down the track to express pacers or reverse sweep them for a six. You can’t beat him in the excellent use of the feet. He is a fantastic fielder and a mighty fine wicket keeper. And yet he is human. Scientists are struggling to find chinks in his armour and therefore you can forgive bowlers for not being able to do the same. India is set to face the Proteas in a T20I series which would be followed by a 5 match ODI affair. And there are only two points on the Indian team’s agenda – first how to plan the visitors’ downfall and the second how to prevent AB de Villiers from shattering all those fantasies. Such is the impact of the right-handed wonder, that if India do not have specific strategies, they will surely know what not to do when bowling to AB at the end of the series. The tussle between him and the Indian pacers is going to play a major part in deciding the outcome of both the limited over contests. And in the ODIs India will also have to deal with his shrewd leadership skills. All said the think tank will have to devise a method to tackle the De Villers magic. Here is how they can do it: 5 ways in which India could counter the AB de Villiers phenomenon: 1. Do not pre-empt or anticipate too much: (Photo Source: Getty Images ) All AB will be expecting is for the Indian bowlers to bowl six different deliveries to him which would allow him to display his complete range. The strategy of variations could work for those who are predominantly strong on only one side of the wicket but we all know AB is not that bloke. Thus the best way to deal with De Villiers is to not try and demystify his unrelenting trickery and instead nullify it with the unglamorous trait of discipline. That would translate to bowling immaculate and persevering spells which would instigate a poor shot. Concentrating on their natural routines rather than being sucked into a game of cat and mouse with the right-handed genius could be the success mantra. 2. Don’t get caught up in his Aura: Ab de Villiers. (© Getty Images) In order to negate the AB de Villiers threat, it will be imperative for Indian bowlers not to get overawed. He wants you to do so, but you cannot afford to let him dictate your mindset. The key would be having confidence in the skills and practicing hard to execute them in a match situation. If you think you have to do anything extraordinary to get him dismissed, then better watch out for your figures at the end of your spell. Cricket is not that complex as we sometimes make it to be. A good ball will trouble any batsman, irrespective of his immense batting prowess. Thus Indian bowlers should concentrate on their strengths rather than using reactive tactics to whatever AB does. 3. Length is absolutely crucial: (Photo Source: Twitter) With De Villiers it’s not just his 360 degree hitting range that pushes bowlers into panic-mode but also the constant shuffling in the crease. This is where focusing on bowling a good length comes in handy. It’s important that you are not looking at what he’s doing at the crease. He will move around, jump at you and try to get into your mind. But the Indian bowlers’ job should be to simply look at that spot where they wish to pitch the ball. Ideally, three-quarter length on fourth stump and angling in towards his stumps is the way to go. Any room outside the off stump and you will be smashed within seconds. 4. Have a plan B: India. (© Getty Images) This would come into effect when AB manages to score quickly off the pacers. Indian spinners will have a huge job at hand in that case. The bottom line should be how to get him out and not allowing easy singles could be a way. AB loves to play freely and if the likes of Raina, Rahane, and Virat, who mostly man the infield can deny him that liberty, it is likely to induce a false shot. With Ashwin being in great form AB might play him safely and attack the other spinner, likely to be Amit Mishra. The leg spinner is a clever customer and will be on a high after his brilliant show in Sri Lanka. With plenty of tricks up his sleeve and the new-found confidence, he will present plenty of challenges to the South African ODI skipper. 5. Bowling at the death: Bhuvneshwar Kumar. (© Getty Images) While ABB is a dangerous proposition during any part of an innings, it’s really in the death that he comes into his own. Though he might have sent it into the stands many a time, the Yorker is still the best option. If not aimed at the stumps, the wide one. Setting fields is another crucial element. But it’s best to not get too cheeky with your field placements. Don’t try to double-bluff him because that can land you in hot waters. Another strategy which the hosts could try is taking regular wickets which would mean AB won’t be able to play freely, being focused on ensuring the tourists complete their quota of overs.