[Khaleej Times]IPL 2020: De Villiers, Steyn ready to deliver for RCB

AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn may have been deprived of cricket in recent months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Royal Challengers Bangalore team director Mike Hesson says the two South African legends will hit the ground running when the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts on September 19 in the UAE.

The 36-year-old De Villiers, arguably the most versatile batsman the game has ever seen, quit the international stage in 2018. The former South African captain now only plays in franchise T20 leagues across the world.

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The talismanic RCB player did play in an experimental domestic tournament last month – South Africa’s first cricket event since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Only a matter of weeks ago he took part in a match in South Africa and once again he was a standout player, having just come out of his living room. So that certainly showed the quality of player he is,” Hesson said during a virtual media conference.

“He’s had very, very good franchise tournaments around the world the last 12 months and he’s in good touch.

“Physically, he’s feeling good and refreshed. And once again, he’s one of the few in the group that are absolutely chomping at the bit to get into training.”

Meanwhile, Styen’s last cricket tournament was the suspended Pakistan Super League (PSL) in March. The fast bowler, who retired from Test cricket in 2019 to prolong his white-ball career, also played T20 internationals this year.

“He’s developing his game,” Hesson said.

“We saw some different deliveries that he’s been able to develop over the last six months. So he’s certainly not ready to retire yet, certainly very keen to make a contribution this IPL.”

The RCB, desperate for their first IPL title, will get a shot in the arm if De Villiers and Steyn find their top form in the UAE.

Rituraj Borkakoty

A big fan of the Argentina national football team, Rituraj generally writes on sports. But he deeply cherishes the time he spent with his favourite musician from Assam, India, for an interview. And he loves to bring human interest stories to Khaleej Times readers.