sem-tn.com – Interviews & Local News Headlines

Shubman Gill offered a glimpse into his personal preferences and match-day rituals during a rapid-fire session, revealing his admiration for AB de Villiers' scoop shot and naming Jimmy Anderson as a tough opponent. He values winning the Champions Trophy 2025 as a career highlight.

AB de Villiers fondly remembers his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and his strong connection with Virat Kohli. De Villiers highlighted two memorable partnerships with Kohli, emphasizing their shared competitiveness and enjoyment in dominating bowlers. Despite his contributions, RCB finally clinched their first IPL title in 2025, after his retirement, ending his wait for the coveted trophy.

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers revealed his fondness for batting with Virat Kohli during his 11 seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their synergy led to five 100+ partnerships and two 200+ partnerships in IPL. De Villiers highlighted their shared competitive spirit and proactive approach to dismantling bowlers, recalling memorable partnerships at Wankhede and Chinnaswamy stadiums amidst electrifying crowds.

Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticised AB de Villiers for questioning Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup omission, asserting that foreign players should not interfere in Indian cricket matters. Gavaskar emphasised that Indian cricketers refrain from commenting on other nations' selections and accused the Indian media of seeking validation from overseas opinions, reigniting the debate over external influence in Indian cricket.

AB de Villiers clarified his earlier comments on Dewald Brevis, stating he never questioned the legality of his IPL entry. Instead, he emphasized that several franchises, including RCB and Mumbai Indians, missed an opportunity by not investing in the young South African talent. De Villiers urged Brevis to develop his pacing skills while acknowledging his impressive six-hitting ability.

Dewald Brevis, South Africa's rising cricket star, recounts his initial encounter with his idol, AB de Villiers. Overwhelmed with nervousness, Brevis struggled to ask for a picture, but de Villiers' wife intervened. This initial meeting, followed by a chance encounter at a school event where Brevis bravely asked for his number, sparked a mentorship that profoundly impacted Brevis's cricketing journey.

AB de Villiers has expressed his surprise at reports suggesting Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for some of the ongoing Test series against England. De Villiers questioned the decision, drawing parallels to how South Africa managed Dale Steyn's workload, prioritising his availability for crucial Test matches.