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Tag: AB de Villiers

  • Rohit Sharma Going To RCB? AB de Villiers Says THIS Ahead Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction | cricket news

    The buzz around Indian cricket is getting louder with each passing day as rumors swirl about Rohit Sharma’s potential shift from Mumbai Indians (MI) to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Having led MI to a record five IPL titles, Rohit is synonymous with the team’s unprecedented success. However, a recent dip in form and his reported axing as captain have given rise to speculations that he might don the red and black of RCB next season.

    While fans remain divided, cricketing legend AB de Villiers weighed in on this hot topic, setting the cricketing world alight with his bold statements during a YouTube Q&A session.

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    AB de Villiers on Rohit’s Move: “Bigger Than Hardik’s Return”

    During the session, AB de Villiers, a long-time RCB stalwart, humorously addressed the possibility of Rohit Sharma making the jump to RCB, stating that it would be one of the biggest stories in IPL history. “If Rohit moves from Mumbai to RCB, that would be huge, much bigger than Hardik Pandya’s return to MI,” said de Villiers. His comparison to Hardik Pandya’s return, which created significant headlines when he rejoined MI after a stint with Gujarat Titans, underlines just how massive this shift could be.

    De Villiers’ playful tone resonated with fans, many of whom took to social media to imagine what it would be like to see two of India’s most iconic cricketers—Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma—batting for the same franchise. Such a move would undoubtedly create ripples in the cricketing world and give RCB fans new hope of breaking their IPL title drought.

    Rohit Sharma’s Legacy at MI: A Chapter Ending?

    Rohit Sharma’s leadership has been at the core of Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the IPL. Since taking over the captaincy in 2013, Rohit has transformed MI into a powerhouse, guiding them to five IPL championships—the most by any team in the league’s history. Yet, despite his success, MI’s poor showing in the 2024 season, where they finished at the bottom of the table, raised questions about the team’s direction. With Hardik Pandya replacing Rohit as MI captain ahead of the season, discontent brewed among the fans, many of whom have been ardent supporters of Rohit for years.

    As a seasoned sports journalist, it’s important to highlight the key reasons behind the potential move. MI’s leadership transition has been a topic of heated debate, with several former cricketers suggesting that the franchise could be moving towards a rebuild, seeking younger players and fresher strategies. Hardik Pandya’s appointment as captain and his close relationship with head coach Mark Boucher have only added to the speculation about Rohit’s future with MI.

    De Villiers Doubts the Move Will Happen

    Despite the excitement surrounding the possibility of Rohit Sharma moving to RCB, AB de Villiers made it clear that he finds the scenario highly unlikely. “I don’t see a possibility of MI leaving Rohit. I will give that zero or 0.1 percent chance,” said the former South African star. His sentiment echoes the thoughts of many MI fans, who can’t fathom a future without Rohit as part of their team.

    However, de Villiers did acknowledge that IPL is unpredictable, and anything could happen ahead of the 2025 mega auction. With MI in a transitional phase and RCB always in search of a title-winning combination, the possibility of an unexpected twist cannot be entirely ruled out.

    What Would Rohit’s Move Mean for RCB?

    If Rohit were to move to RCB, it would be one of the most significant transfers in IPL history. His experience, leadership skills, and batting prowess could provide RCB with the stability they’ve long sought. Paired with Virat Kohli, the duo could form one of the most formidable batting partnerships in the league, potentially altering RCB’s fortunes in their quest for their maiden IPL title.

    For Rohit, a move to RCB would also mean entering a new chapter of his career, where he would be tasked with leading a team that has consistently struggled to live up to its potential. The opportunity to guide RCB to its first title might just be the challenge Rohit needs to reinvigorate his career.

  • Who Is Babar Azam’s Favorite Batsman That He Has Played Against? Pakistan Captain Answers | cricket news

    In a recent interview that has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam shared his admiration for South African legend AB De Villiers. During a conversation on De Villiers’ official YouTube channel, Babar was asked to name the best batsman he has played against. Without hesitation, he chose De Villiers, leaving the former Proteas star both flattered and amused.

    I interviewed Pakistan’s @babarazam258 before the T20 World Cup earlier this year, and l’d shared a bit of it back then. Don’t miss out on this chat, and show my friend some love. ,

    Here’s the full interview __

    _: https://t.co/nTA05h4nZY#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/iy02SXZvn2

    — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) July 20, 2024

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    A Moment of Humble Admiration

    The interaction was nothing short of delightful. When De Villiers, a cricketer revered for his innovative batting and sportsmanship, posed the question to Babar, the Pakistani skipper’s answer was swift and clear. “It’s you, AB,” he said with a smile. De Villiers, known for his humility, tried to steer the conversation towards other active cricketers, but Babar stood firm in his admiration. “My answer remains AB De Villiers,” he reiterated, adding a touch of heartfelt respect to the dialogue.

    Facing the Toughest Bowler

    The interview delved deeper into Babar Azam’s cricketing experiences, revealing intriguing insights. When asked about the toughest bowler he has encountered, Babar named Australian pace sensation Pat Cummins. The recognition of Cummins’ prowess is a testament to the high regard in which he is held within the cricketing community.

    Celebrity Connections and Laughter

    In a lighter vein, De Villiers humorously inquired about the most famous person in Babar’s phonebook. The Pakistani captain’s first thought was, of course, De Villiers himself. However, amid laughter and playful banter, Babar revealed that renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam holds that spot in his contacts. This light-hearted exchange added a personal touch to the interview, showcasing the camaraderie between the two cricketing greats.

    PCB’s Decision on NOCs: A Strategic Move

    In related news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently made headlines by refusing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 in Canada. This decision followed a similar refusal for Naseem Shah’s participation in The Hundred, where he had a contract with Birmingham Phoenix.

    Prioritizing National Commitments

    The PCB’s decision was based on Pakistan’s packed cricketing schedule from August 2024 to March 2025. This period includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A PCB statement emphasized the necessity of keeping these all-format players in optimal. mental and physical condition for the demanding international calendar.

    “The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar… it has been decided to decline their requests,” read the statement released by the PCB on Friday night.

    Workload Management for Peak Performance

    Highlighting the PCB’s commitment to player welfare, the statement continued, “The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months… it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

  • IPL 2024: MS Dhoni To Retire At End Of This Season? AB de Villiers Makes A Big Statement On CSK Captain's Future | cricket news

    MS Dhoni and AB de Villiers are two of the greatest players who played the sport. On fied, they were greatest of rivals but off it, they had massive respect for each other and were good friends. Both share mutual respect for each other. They are also IPL legends who played many a great knocks for their respective franchises. While de Villers has already brought curtains on his IPL and international career, Dhoni continues to ply his trade in the T20 league. Speaking over his YouTube channel on Wednesday, de Villiers predicted the future of Dhoni in IPL at the end of the season.

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    De Villiers compared Dhoni with a diesel engine which never ends. The former Proteas batsman said that no one can guess what move Dhoni is going to make next and the retirement decision is one such move that no one knows when it is coming.

    “They played some incredible cricket last year. There were a lot of rumors about MS Dhoni finishing up last year, that was not the case, ladies and gentlemen. He would be back again. Will this be his final season? No one knows. He just seems to be this diesel engine that never ends. He keeps running. What an incredible player, what an incredible captain,” de Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel.

    De Villiers, who played most of his cricket at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), did not stop himself from praising CSK, the franchise and the team. He said that they have all the ingredients to be the best team in the competition, including a captain like Dhoni and a calm head in the form of Stephen Fleming.

    I sang my favorite Hindi song, chatted about what inspired me and of course, discussed my takes on the upcoming #IPL2024 which is just 9 days away and promises excitement! ,

    It's all on this special episode of the week's #360Show ____

    __: https://t.co/T0W8csi47K_ pic.twitter.com/24pITq3RuS

    — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) March 13, 2024

    “I believe it's through their presence, it's through the leadership of MSD, a calm coach in Stephen Fleming, senior players in Ravi[ndra] Jadeja and others who have really set this incredible culture alive. They are a very intimidating team to play against. They are never easy to beat,” he added.

    Dhoni is 42 years old and many are assuming that this could be his last IPL. He may want to finish off after making CSK the most successful franchise in the league. CSK and Mumbai Indians have both won 5 IPL titles. No other team is near them, in terms of title wins and Dhoni would want to sign off after winning the record sixth title. But with Dhoni, as de Villiers pointed out, you don't know what's coming.

  • Sarfaraz Khan’s Father Compares His Son With THIS Pakistan Cricket Legend | cricket news

    In a cricketing world that is constantly evolving, emerging talents are the lifeblood of the sport. Sarfaraz Khan, a name resonating in the cricketing circles, is set to make his international debut in the second Test against England. What sets him apart, however, is not just his impeccable record in domestic cricket but the fascinating story behind his journey, as shared exclusively with JioCinema. Sarfaraz Khan, at 26, already carries the weight of immense expectations on his shoulders. Interestingly, he draws inspiration from a cricketing legend, Javed Miandad. In a candid revelation, Sarfaraz mentions that his father sees a striking resemblance between his batting style and that of the Pakistani great. This familial connection to Miandad adds a layer of sentiment and aspiration to Sarfaraz’s pursuit of excellence.

    Sarfaraz Khan said, “I like to watch Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, Sir Vivian Richards. I also enjoy watching Joe Root play.” (JioCinema).pic.twitter.com/ybIfqjYph9

    — Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) February 1, 2024

    “I like to watch Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sir Vivian Richards, and even Javed Miandad because my dad has told me that I play like him. I watch Joe Root’s batting also. Anyone who is succeeding, I am watching them to see how they are doing it so I can learn and apply it when I am in the middle. I want to continue doing this, whether it’s in the Ranji Trophy or playing for India in the future,” said Sarfaraz to JioCinema.

    Daily Grind and Observations

    Sarfaraz’s commitment to his craft is evident in his rigorous training routine. Playing 500-600 balls every day has become a habit, and he attributes his success to an insatiable hunger for improvement. ‘My strength is that I am not satisfied easily. I play 500-600 balls every day. If I don’t play at least 200-300 balls in a match, I feel like I haven’t done much. It’s a habit now. Practice in the morning, afternoon, and evening. I am used to only one thing, batting and facing deliveries. If you want to play five-day cricket, you have to stay patient and practice every day. I play cricket all day and that’s why I can stay on the pitch for a long time,’ Khan said.

    The Road to International Cricket

    Having enjoyed tremendous success in the domestic circuit, Sarfaraz’s call-up to the Indian Test team is a testament to his consistent performance. His prolific run-getting ability, showcased by a splendid 161 off 160 balls against England Lions, sets the stage for a promising international career. The unexpected opportunities arising from injuries to key players like Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul opened the door for Sarfaraz to prove his mettle on the grand stage.

    Father’s Role in the Journey

    Behind every successful athlete is a support system that fuels their dreams. Sarfaraz acknowledges the pivotal role his father, Naushad, played in shaping his cricketing journey. From introducing him to the sport to providing unwavering support during challenging times, Sarfaraz recognizes the impact of his father’s efforts. The father-son duo’s commitment is a narrative that resonates with aspiring cricketers and fans alike.

    “My father introduced me to cricket, and I always wondered why am I even playing. By nature I am an attacking batsman and I used to get out sooner than other and scoring big runs was getting difficult. It was disheartening to see others succeed while I wouldn’t be among the runs. Even when I moved from Mumbai to UP, he would take flights to come and see me. He would start bowling to me on the terrace or the road itself before selection trials. Now I realize the impact. and importance of those efforts. When I came back to Mumbai from UP, I was scared if this would bring a halt to my career and I strongly felt there was no future ahead of me, but my dad always stood by me. There’s no guarantee. in life if you don’t get opportunities. But my dad always believed in hard work, and everything I have is a result of that work,” he added.

    Decision Dilemma: Patidar or Sarfaraz

    As India faces the challenge of filling the void left by KL Rahul’s absence, the debate emerges: Rajat Patidar or Sarfaraz Khan? Both players boast impressive first-class records, making the decision a tough one for the team management. Patidar’s experience in high-pressure situations, especially in the IPL, contrasts with Sarfaraz’s ability to thrive on Indian pitches.