ABD reveals the source of inspiration behind his unbeaten 89 against KXIP

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE batsman Ab de Villiers registered his highest T20 score of 89 runs during the eighth game of IPL 10, against Kings XI Punjab on April 10. 

Although RCB lost the tie and the maestro’s half-century went in vain, it is good news for the franchise as the game not just marked ABD’s return to side but also to form. Starting slowly de Villiers smacked three fours and nine sixes in his innings to record his 36th T20 half-century. However, his magnificent knock was not enough to avoid Hashim Amla and Glenn Maxwell from powering KXIP to an eight-wicket win.

It was de Villiers' first game of the IPL 10 season and the Protea batsman admitted that he was having doubts about his ability, ahead of the game. Also, during a chat with commentators, former India player Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that unlike most players who are rusty after coming back from injuries, de Villiers looked in sharp form. To that the prolific batsman replied, 

"I did surprise myself (with the knock). It is more mental thing than anything else. It is not like you become a bad player overnight. The rustiness you refer to, is more self-doubt which was there for last few days, I have got to admit. “

De Villiers revealed that self-doubt was banished thanks to a phone call before the game.

“I called my wife (Danielle) just before the game telling that I am doubting myself. But I surprised myself and played few good shots." 

When Australian commentator Melanie Jones asked what was the advice he received from his wife, he said,

"She was actually lying next to my boy (son), sleeping when I asked for advice. She called back a few minutes later, told me that she backed me and (advised me) to stay calm. She is on her way. She is arriving (in India) on April 11. That was the inspiration."

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