Come the big game AB stands up: Kohli

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE became the first team to qualify for the finals of IPL by beating Gujarat Lions in Qualifier 1 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As ‘in-form’ Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck, South African  AB de Villiers rose to the occasion and played a match-winning innings. 

The India Test captain, who is also the leading run scorer in the ongoing season, lauded the Protean swashbuckler for guiding the RCB to the finals. As reported by deccanchronicle, the Virat said,

“I think that ends the debate who is the best (batsman) around. I bow down to the big man. Come the big game, AB stands up. (This was) one of the best knocks under pressure. I am really happy for him and the team.”

Termed as one of the modern greats, de Villiers struck a brilliant 79 of 47 balls after Dhawal Kulkarni cut through Bangalore's top order which left them reeling at 29 for 5. Kohli admitted that de Villiers and Iqbal Abdullah’s partnership came as a rescue for the team. 

“Unbelievable. I don't believe that I am standing here as the winning captain. Today, the top order did not do well. I could see the opposition was worried about AB. Credit to Abdullah as well. Terrific composure from the young guy.”

The 26-year-old concluded, 

“It couldn't be a better scripted story for us: playoffs in Bangalore and final in Bangalore. The support has been fantastic and this (win) is for them. We can't wait to grab our chance and win the final."

Virat Kohli also tweeted on his twitter handle:
 

What a performance. Big Game, Pressure Situation & the best in the world, @ABdeVilliers17, delivers like no one else pic.twitter.com/NNGc24shV2

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) May 24, 2016