IPL 2021: They Wanted AB de Villiers To Spend Time In The Middle Before Playoffs- Gautam Gambhir

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was happy with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) decision to send AB de Villiers at No.4 in order to get him some game time in the middle before the playoffs. RCB will face off against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Dubai in the Eliminator on Monday.

De Villiers has had a rather poor UAE leg of the IPL 2021 season so far. He hasn’t contributed much in terms of runs. He was sent in early for the first time this season and he scored 26 off as many balls before perishing to Axar Patel. Nonetheless, the time spent in the middle should help before the playoffs, says Gautam Gambhir.

“One good thing was the RCB promoted AB de Villiers to bat at 4. Most probably they wanted him to spend some time in the middle before the play-offs. Yes, he didn’t score enough runs for the side but at least he spent some time in the middle against a quality bowling line-up.”

“Maxwell continuing his great form at number 5 is a great sign for RCB. And if the openers start clicking and begin to give their side those starts, the RCB is going to be more dangerous,” Gambhir said in a conversation with ESPNcricinfo.

“Chasing 160-odd on that kind of a wicket was one hell of an effort” – Gautam Gambhir on RCB’s 7-wicket win over DC

RCB was set a target of 165 by the table-topper Delhi Capitals (DC) in the final league match of the season. It was always going to be an uphill task on a tricky wicket and they were in a spot of bother at 55/3 in the 10th over. Glenn Maxwell and Srikar Bharat then combined to take the side over the line with an unbeaten 111-run partnership.

“RCB would’ve got a lot of confidence, especially after beating Delhi, who are a very formidable side and they have a really strong bowling line-up. Chasing 160 odd on that kind of a wicket was one hell of an effort,” Gambhir added.

The match ended in a dramatic fashion when Bharat scored a six off the final ball to give RCB a 7-wicket win. With that, RCB completed the double over the Delhi side this season.

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