Royal Challengers Bangalore’s campaign in the 2018 edition of IPL has come to an end and it has been a dismal one, and all their hopes crashed when they lost to Rajasthan Royals in a must-win game.
Cricket news: ABD reflects on their performance this year and is hopeful of clinching next year’s title
In the match at Jaipur, at one point it seemed that Bangalore would win when de Villiers was at the crease. But after he got out, the entire plan of RCB crashed as they surrendered the game and their chance to qualify for the playoffs to their opponents.
In his column for Times of India, the veteran South African batsman said that it is unfortunate to crash out after getting so close. However he said that the team has abilities and can come back stronger next year to win the title for the franchise and fans.
“We can have no complaints. It is frustrating to know we would have qualified if we had defeated Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, and at one stage we seemed to be on course for a successful chase, but their spinners halted our march and, in a few hectic overs, our dreams evaporated like the morning mist,” said AB de Villiers.
“So it’s all doom and gloom in Bengaluru? No, not at all. We are extremely disappointed to have won only six of our 14 matches, but it is often said that sports teams must lose together before they can win together, and I do believe that, amid our underperformance in 2018, we have laid a solid foundation for 2019,” the South African noted.
When asked about the atmosphere of IPL, de Villiers said that he is lucky to be a part of the tournament from the very beginning. He also said that the 2018 edition was the best as it helped the team to learn many new things, and the team always stayed together during crisis period which was also special.
“I have been fortunate to participate in every IPL since the tournament started in 2008 and, in many respects, for me, the 2018 event has been the most enjoyable. The spirit within the RCB squad has been outstanding. In the good moments, and also the difficult moments, players, coaches and staff have stuck together and backed each other, and we have developed a collective will that augurs well for next season,” de Villiers remarked.
ABD was then asked to predict the winner, to which he said that Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings will battle in the final, but it will be MS Dhoni who would win the title.
“The IPL remains brilliantly unpredictable. However, if forced to make a prediction, I would not be surprised to see SRH, brilliantly led by Kane Williamson, play CSK in the final, and then for yet one more burst of MS Dhoni magic to propel the team in yellow to the title,” predicts AB de Villiers.