IPL 2020: Adapting To UAE Heat Is The Biggest Challenge, Says AB de Villiers
Former South African star player AB de Villiers believes that the biggest challenge for all teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be to adapt to the warm and humid weather of the UAE. Most matches will be played at night, but the conditions will still be challenging.
South African star player AB de Villiers believes that the biggest challenge for all teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be to adapt to the warm and humid weather of the UAE. Most matches will be played at night, but the conditions will still be challenging.
In an interview shared on RCB’s Twitter handle, he said that he is not used to this kind of weather. It is very hot to handle. He also mentioned Test match played in Chennai in July, in which Virendra Sehwag scored 300 runs. He said that it was the hottest weather condition he had experienced.
“I am not really used to these kinds of conditions, to be honest. It’s very hot, it reminds me of a Test match we played in July in Chennai once where Viru scored 300. It was one of the hottest weather conditions I have experienced in my life,” he said in an interview posted on RCB’s twitter handle.
Have To Save Energy for Last 5 Overs: AB de Villiers
He said that it is equally humid even at ten in the night. It will make a big difference and they will have to save energy for the last five overs anyhow.
“The humidity is similar to that, even at 10 at night. When I arrived here I checked the weather conditions of the last few months and it seems to be getting better. It is definitely going to play a part and you have to make sure you have the energy for the backend of the innings or the last 5 overs of your bowling spell.”
Will Miss Playing In Packed Stadiums: AB de Villiers
36-year-old de Villiers said that he will miss playing in packed stadiums in India. He said that they all have a habit of playing in packed stadiums, especially at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where when the audience cheers up, the scene is miraculous.
“I think obviously all are used to playing in front of crowds on a big stage, there is certainly an amount of adrenaline that is pumped into you when it gets really loud, especially in Chinnaswamy when the RCB crowd gets going, it’s difficult to stop the RCB team. So, well miss that there is no doubt about it.
“But I won’t say I am not used to it, I have played a lot of cricket in empty stadiums. I grew up like that. It’s only in the international career that I have played in front of crowds,” he said.
The 36-year-old South African cricketer is regarded as one of the destructive batsmen of world cricket. He is currently playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore will open their IPL campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai on September 21.
