IPL 2024 Auction: "It’s A Shame..." - AB de Villiers Slams DC For Releasing Phil Salt

South African legend and former batsman AB de Villiers had a legendary career for his national team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore. De Villiers played 184 matches in the cash-rich, scoring 5162 runs at a strike rate of 151.68. His average was 39.70 whereas his highest score was 133*.

While AB de Villiers retired from the Indian Premier League in the year 2021, he played ten years of his IPL career for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. De Villiers now is seen giving expert advice and doing cricket analysis on his YouTube channel and is often witnessed in the commentary box.

However, apart from playing for RCB, De Villiers played the initial matches of his IPL career for the Delhi Daredevils, which is now Delhi Capitals. Analysing DC’s IPL 2024 squad, the former South African batsman stated that they probably missed out on not buying Phil Salt.

AB de Villiers said that Phil Salt was with DC in the last season but he didn’t perform as per the expectations. However, De Villiers has watched him perform extremely well for the Pretoria Capitals in SA20, and stated that it was an absolute shame, not to see Salt in the Indian Premier League.

AB de Villiers believes Delhi Capitals have missed out on not signing Phil Salt

AB de Villiers said on his YouTube channel, “The planning for the IPL auction has been done months in advance. I do agree in a way. Phil Salt, I absolutely love watching him play. He is one of hot favorites in the SA20 tournament. I saw Salt score a lot of runs for the Pretoria Capitals.”

“Yes, maybe they have missed out by not buying him or failing to retain him for the Delhi Capitals. He didn’t play much last year and maybe he disappointed some of the management. But, he’s a fantastic player and it’s a shame not to see him there.”

Delhi Capitals have changed their playing style ever since they changed their name. Capitals have performed extremely well in the last few editions of the Indian Premier League and also made it to the finals in the 2020 edition.

With Rishabh Pant returning to the side, the Delhi Capitals have once again strengthened their squad and have all the resources to win their maiden Indian Premier League title.

Delhi Capitals were able to rope in big names such as Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Jhye Richardson, and Shai Hope, who can prove to be essential for the team in IPL 2024. The team also has young stars such as Yash Dhull, and Kumar Kushagra, who can come in with handy contributions and also become the reason for the team’s success.

However, the team will be hoping for Prithvi Shaw to return back to form and once again give the team a blazing opening start along with David Warner.