Heinrich Klaasen helped AB de Villiers improve his game prior to the IPL 2018 season

IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore has had a rocky start to the ongoing season, garnering only 2 wins from 5 games. The Virat Kohli led side started the season on a losing note but has been growing with the tournament, winning their latest encounter against the Delhi Daredevils.

South African batting stalwart AB de Villiers, who starred in the fixture with his quickfire 90 looked in sublime form and will be keen to continue it throughout the season. In an exclusive interview with Sportsarlive, the Proteas batsman revealed he has been working with fellow countrymen Heinrich Klaasen in the off-season which has benefitted him immensely.

Klaasen is currently playing in the IPL for the Rajasthan Royals franchise. The 26-year-old was brought in to replace Steven Smith in the side, after the later was handed a 12-month ban for his involvement in the sandpaper gate fiasco.

Speaking to Sportstarlive, De Villiers said, “I worked with Klaasen in the off-season and took some tips from him. I watched him score hundreds and saw how still he was at the crease. I’ve tried to use that tip with my batting.”

He added, “Even after playing international cricket for 14 years, you sometimes forget the basics. My game is based on 5 to 10 very basic principles of the game. Sometimes, when you’re not scoring, you have to try and remember the basics again.”

RCB’s campaign so far

After losing their season opener against KKR, the team showed great character to win their next match comprehensively. RCB has failed to convert close situations in their favour, a factor that Kohli will need on his side if he fancies making it to the business end of the tournament.

RCB next face second-placed Chennai Super Kings who returned to the fray after a 2-year hiatus. Dhoni, till now has marshalled his troops impeccably and the points table justify that. The marquee clash, which is billed to be a high octane encounter is set for tomorrow at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

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