Former South African superstar AB de Villiers has offered a brutally honest view of IPL batting comparisons, openly expressing his frustration at the way statistics are used, especially when comparing middle-order players to openers.
“It irritates me a lot”
Speaking on Mbangwa Media’s YouTube channel, De Villiers did not hold back when addressing comparisons with the IPL’s top run-scorers:
“So I hate when they compare my careers with other players in the IPL, because then I think, but I haven’t faced as many balls as the openers. It irritates me to no end.”
“This guy scored 8,000 runs, he’s the best of all time. I say, no, I’m better than him, he’s faced more balls. Don’t do it.” he added.
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“It’s the easiest thing in the world”
The former RCB legend pointed to the advantage openers enjoy in T20 cricket: “And on top of that, everyone is an opener and batting with these restrictions is just two players, and it’s like, it’s the easiest thing in the world, especially in India. It’s ridiculous, man. You can’t play cricket like that.”
“Don’t compare my statistics with those of the starters”
De Villiers questioned the fairness of comparing players in different batting positions: “But then don’t compare my stats now that I know, with everyone. They’re all openers, all the leading run-scorers, the Orange Caps they have. Do you know why it irritates me?” de Villiers said
He even suggested modifying the fielding restrictions on the power play:
“At least, okay, with a new ball, when the ball pings and flies, at least remove your fielding restrictions in the first six overs, T20 short boundaries in India, excellent wickets. The advantage is the new ball that is already flying. It’s already too easy. Don’t just have two fielders outside the ring.”
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“Unfair to the bowlers”
The Proteas legend highlighted how bowlers are often at a disadvantage: “But I feel like it’s a bit unfair for the bowlers in the IPL, the first six overs. Forget the stats and me being me. It’s just a tough watch.”
De Villiers pointed out how even mistimed shots can bring boundaries: “Very often, they hit bad shots and they get rewarded for it, your cut ball that you didn’t hit in the area you wanted… and you still get four.”
Using Travis Head as an example, he said, “Now it’s like Travis Head, he’s just flying everywhere. Inside the edge four, outside the edge four. Good shot, six, great, but it’s a three.”
“What is that? 33% strike and you’re 15 off four balls.” he added.
“I feel ashamed”
De Villiers revealed his own mindset in scoring lucky boundaries: “Honestly, when I hit an inside edge for four, I feel embarrassed, I even apologize to the bowlers sometimes, I swear because I feel that’s not right, now these openers just run everywhere. New ball flying. It bothers me.”
“Why do you think some captains, at the end of their careers, are touted to open the batting in T20 cricket?”
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“Give me a chance from the beginning”
De Villiers finished with a scathing comment on his own batting position: “I was demoted to five at the end of my career. I think, what have you got? Because I’m a good finisher? No, give me a chance with a new ball in front too.”
AB de Villiers in the IPL
AB de Villiers enjoyed a remarkable IPL career, scoring 5162 runs in 184 matches at an impressive average of 39.70 and a blistering strike rate of 151.68, including 3 centuries and 40 half-centuries, with a highest score of 133*. What makes his numbers even more special is the context, unlike most top scorers, de Villiers batted mainly in the middle order, often at 3 to 5, and still managed to dominate the attacks with 251 sixes and over 400 fours.