IPL 2021: VVS Laxman Lauds Shikhar Dhawan And AB de Villiers For Outstanding Batting Performances

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman heaped praises for Shikhar Dhawan and AB de Villiers for their outstanding batting performances in IPL 2021 so far. While Shikhar Dhawan is part of Delhi Capitals, AB de Villiers is part of Royal Challengers Bangalore. VVS Laxman, who is also Sunrisers Hyderabad’s mentor, said that the two senior batsmen have been outstanding for their franchises in three games of IPL 2021 so far.

Shikhar Dhawan is the highest run-scorer in IPL 2021 so far, scoring 186 runs in three matches. The Delhi Capitals opener has also hit 2 fifties. On the other hand, Ab de Villiers is the 5th highest run-scorer with 125 runs in 3 matches so far. The South African batsman has hit one half-century.

Shikhar Dhawan And AB de Villiers Have Been Outstanding: VVS Laxman

In his column for Times of India, Laxman wrote that both the batsmen have showcased relentless pursuit of excellence in IPL 2021.

“The tournament is a great stage to showcase professionalism and the relentless pursuit of excellence, as exemplified by two very senior and sincere batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan and AB de Villiers have been outstanding for their franchises so far,” VVS Laxman wrote.

Talking about Shikhar Dhawan, the 46-year-old Laxman also said that the left-handed batsman has been playing fearless cricket like he used to play in his younger days.

“Starting from last year’s IPL, these last eight months or so is the best I have seen Shikhar bat in T20 cricket. It reminds me of his Under-19 and India A days, when he was fearless, aggressive and took the fight to the bowlers from the beginning,” VVS Laxman further wrote.

Laxman also said that AB de Villiers is just phenomenal and entertains everyone in IPL year after year.

“AB, of course, is just phenomenal. You think you have seen it all, and yet, year after year, he takes your breath away with his innovativeness and creativity.

“He doesn’t play international cricket any longer, so it’s little short of amazing that he continues to retain his passion, zest, fitness and appetite,” VVS Laxman maintained.

Shikhar Dhawan played an 85-run knock during Delhi Capitals’ first match against Chennai Super Kings. In the match against Punjab Kings, Dhawan smashed 92 runs. Delhi Capitals won both of these matches and Dhawan was adjudged player of the match for his stupendous batting.

Talking about AB de Villiers, the wicket-keeper batsman smashed 48 runs to clinch victory for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2021 opener against Mumbai Indians. In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, de Villiers smashed quickfire 78 off 34 to take RCB to mammoth 204-4 batting first. RCB won the match comfortably by 38 runs.