The man is light on his feet and heavy with his strokes. He not only has the gift of timing, but knows when to time his performances. This batsman innovates and creates.
When A.B. de Villiers switches on the ignition key, the engine roars to life. His career motors along on the highway to glory and beyond. The South African’s batsmanship, remarkably, has two contrasting ingredients — smoothness and the rush of adrenaline.
Fittingly, de Villiers, in a glitzy function, unveiled Perfinza, MRF’s new tyre here on Tuesday.
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The man called ‘Mr. Perfect’ by some for his fluency and adaptability across formats does know a thing or two about long drives and short dashes on the cricketing arena. He has negotiated the bends capably.
All three versions
In a function anchored by noted cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, the 33-year-old de Villers reiterated he would play all three versions of the game for South Africa in the years to come. “Now, after a break, I have pressed the reset button and am fresh and ready to go again. Playing for South Africa always comes first,” he said.
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de Villiers, MRF’s Global ambassador said, “I want to just enjoy my cricket over the next three, five or seven years and go home satisfied with what I have done.”
Talking about the upcoming India-South Africa series, de Villiers said “India always gave us a run for our money. Sachin Tendulkar’s last Test series in South Africa in 2011 was drawn 1-1. I will be in the park to compete against the opposition and some of my [IPL] teammates. Last time around, there was some turn in Durban. Hopefully we can sort it out.”
The South African great spoke about his early upbringing, playing diverse sports such as tennis, hockey, rugby and cricket. “My mom used to drive me around to the various venues from the age of five. You have to be born with hunger and desire.”
Talking about perfection, de Villiers noted, “A lifetime of preparation leads to a moment called perfection. It doesn’t happen more than once or twice in your life.”
His innovative skills with the willow were born from a “deep desire to put the bowlers under pressure,” he said. “Your mindset is important. I have zero fear in my mind.”
The former South African captain dwelt on his bonding with his Royal Challengers and MRF partner Virat Kohli . “He [Kohli] is one of the greatest batsmen I have seen.”
Dwelling on his 360 degree range of shots, de Villiers revealed he never changed his grip and did not always pick the bowler from hand. “You have to watch the ball closely, pick it off the wicket, understand what the bowler is trying to do. I have struggled to pick bowlers like (Saeed) Ajmal, but you need to put your chest out and show that you are picking him.”
Interestingly, this aggressive batsman emphasised the value of defence. “You can have all the shots in your book but if the bowler gets on top, you will be out unless you have a solid defence. Backing the defence is an absolute weapon.”
He spoke about the importance of being grounded despite success and fame.
On the field, de Villiers wins matches. Off it, he wins hearts.