IPL 2018: AB de Villiers Never Behaves Like a Big Star, Says Mohammed Siraj

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) speedster Mohammed Siraj said that AB de Villiers never behaves like a big star. In fact, it is well known that veteran South African has always kept his feet on the ground.

Furthermore, the Hyderabad bowler is taken back by de Villers decision to call it a day. de Villiers had claimed that he is’ tired’ and has run out of gas – to continue playing at the International level.

However, Siraj believes de Villiers is fit as a fiddle and it is hard to accept that he is tired.

Siraj never felt that de Villiers was ‘Tired’.

“AB is one of the most energetic and fit players in our Bangalore squad. I was shocked when I heard of his retirement this afternoon. The way he is playing and performing so consistently, it’s tough to believe that he won’t be playing international cricket anymore. Having played with him, I never felt that he was tired at all,” Siraj told Mid-Day over the phone.

Siraj played with de Villiers recently in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The fast bowler said that the Proteas talismanic batsman always gives his 100 percent on the field.

The fast-bowler from Hyderabad Siraj went on to add that de Villiers has still got a lot of cricket left in him. Thus, he could have continued to play at the highest level.

De Villiers is down to earth character:

“He always gave his 100 per cent. de Villiers has a lot of cricket left in him and can still easily play at the highest level. He is a world-class cricketer, but at the same time, a very humble human being. AB never behaved like a big star with us. He got along with everyone very easily. Mast maze ka banda hai woh [he’s a fun guy]”, RCB’s fast bowler added.

De Villiers used to play the most arduous shots in the game. However, Siraj went on to reveal that the former South African skipper never experiments with his strokeplay while doing practice in the nets.

“AB never hit big shots while practising. Not a single time have I seen him experimenting with his strokes or playing shots like the reverse sweep or uppercut. He always played straight and it’s always tough to get him out,” Siraj revealed.

De Villiers has not only shocked Mohammed Siraj but also the South African linchpin – to sent shocking waves across the globe with his decision.