Why is AB de Villiers not playing today: Royal Challengers Bangalore senior cricketer has been ruled out against KKR.
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During the 35th match of the ongoing 12th season of the Indian Premier League between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Kolkata, Royal Challengers Bangalore senior batsman AB de Villiers has not been included into the Playing XI.
Who is replacing AB de Villiers in KKR vs RCB?
Speaking during the toss, RCB captain Virat Kohli put rest to speculations regarding the same. “AB [AB de Villiers] is not well so Henrich Klaasen plays and Dale Steyn makes his return to RCB after nine long years,” Kohli was quoted as saying during the toss as he also announced the comeback of veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn.
It is believed that de Villiers has a mild concussion and has been rested for the same reason.
It was home captain Dinesh Karthik who won the toss and chose to field at the Eden Gardens. After being put in to bat, Kohli sounded excited about the prospect of setting a target, something which he reckoned his team has done well this season.
“We haven’t been too bad setting a target. We have another opportunity to do so. Another opportunity to do the same. The pitch is outstanding but the bowlers will have something if they put the ball in the right areas.
“Every game for us now is like a semifinal or final, but the most important thing for us is to enjoy ourselves. Looking forward to having some experience and a few more calm heads,” Kohli added.
In the eight matches which de Villiers has played in IPL 2019, he has scored 307 runs at an average of 51.16 and a strike rate of 154.27 including four half-centuries. With a lone victory in eight matches, Royal Challengers Bangalore are currently at the bottom of the points table.
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