IPL 2019 | We ran out of excuses long time ago, says AB de Villiers

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been the perennial bridesmaid in the IPL and this year has plummeted their reputation even further by losing six out of six matches so far in the league. While they still have a mathematical chance of qualifying for the play-offs, the chances of the same are very low considering there would be a lot of permutation and combination that would come into play. While admitting that the team has been very poor this season, AB de Villiers stated that they have run out of excuses a long time ago.

“You can criticise our batting, and say we have not been consistent enough. You can criticise our bowling, and say we have not exercised control in critical periods. You can criticise our fielding, and say it has been unquestionably poor. Fair enough; at RCB, we ran out of excuses long ago. However, to be fair, no one should question our commitment. Our training sessions have been intense ever since we launched this demanding campaign a month ago and, at some point, surely, our unstinting efforts will be rewarded," de Villiers wrote in his column for Times of India.

In a bid to open their account in the league, Bangalore will meet Kings XI Punjab in Mohali and it won’t be an easier proposition considering the simple fact that the latter is yet to lose a game at their home ground. However, de Villiers stated that there is always an end to a streak and it can be for both teams tonight.

"We have flown to the far north, where we will play Kings XI Punjab in Mohali. They are unbeaten at home in the 2019 IPL, with successive victories over MI, DC and SRH at the IS Bindra stadium, but everything must come to an end sometime. Openers KL Rahul and Chris Gayle are both among the top five run-scorers in the tournament so far, while Mohammed Shami and captain R Ashwin spearhead a well-balanced and highly effective bowling attack. 

“We have had six days to prepare for this game, since the home defeat against DD, and we have worked hard during this break to revive and recalibrate our campaign. Both coach Gary Kirsten and captain Virat Kohli have spoken extremely well, keeping the team energised and focused, keeping us connected and together," de Villiers added.