AB de Villiers arrives in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star batsman AB de Villiers tweeted that he’s arrived in Bengaluru and is raring to go for the upcoming edition of the IPL. De Villiers had earlier sat out of the Momentum Cup final in South Africa following a back injury. His side Titans however went on to win in the final without his services in what turned out to be a record breaking match.

Following a shoulder injury that has ruled out skipper Virat Kohli for the start of the IPL, South Africa’s AB de Villiers will lead the RCB side until Kohli takes the field again. De Villiers had a brilliant IPL season last year, finishing second only to his captain Virat Kohli in the list of highest run-getters. Kohli was in another league altogether, amassing a mammoth 973 runs during the tournament. AB however, smashed 687 runs in the season with a highest score of 129 not out.

The cricketing fraternity is well aware of the menace the South African can create. Known for his outrageous shots and his 360-degree style of batting, de Villiers has become one of the most devastating batsmen in modern cricket. A more than average wicket-keeper, AB can also offer his services behind the stumps. Moreover, his acrobatics in the field and his accurate throws are never to be trifled with.

In the IPL alone, AB has displayed his talent of hitting the ball fiercely. He took his Proteas teammate Dale Steyn to the cleaners, smashing 23 off the last over of a game and clinching a thriller for RCB. Back in 2015, de Villiers decimated the Mumbai Indians bowling attack in an unbeaten 59-ball 133.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore will feature in this year’s curtain raiser of the IPL on April 5. They will go head to head against defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in what will be a rematch of last year’s thrilling final. With heavyweights Kohli and KL Rahul out of the picture for the start of the tournament, AB de Villiers will have to anchor the RCB innings along with Chris Gayle and Shane Watson.