IPL 2017: AB de Villiers reveals a phone call inspired him to score 89* after self-doubt

Indore, April 11: A phone call just before the game inspired Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) South African superstar AB de Villiers to deliver yet another Twenty20 masterclass.

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Last night (April 10), at the Holkar Stadium, De Villiers returned from an injury lay-off to do what he is best known for - play unbelievable shots. (Points Table)

AB de Villiers is about to unleash one of his unbelievable shots during his 89 not out knock against Punjab in Indore on April 10

The right-hander blazed his way to a 46-ball 89 studded with 3 fours and 9 sixes. However, his superb knock was not enough as RCB lost to Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) by 8 wickets. (Match highlights)

It was his 1st game of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 season and entering this contest, De Villiers had doubts about his ability. The player himself admitted during a chat with the commentators while fielding.

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When Indian commentator Sanjay Manjrekar pointed out that most players will be rusty coming back from injuries and he did not show any rustiness, De Villiers said it was more of a mental thing and he surprised himself the way he batted.

"I did surprise myself (with the knock). It is more mental thing than anything else. It is not like you become a bad player overnight. The rustiness you refer to, is more self-doubt which was there for last few days, I have got to admit," De Villiers said.

That self-doubt was banished thanks to a phone call before the game, the South African revealed.

"I called my wife (Danielle) just before the game telling that I am doubting myself. But I surprised myself and played few good shots."

When Australian commentator Melanie Jones asked what was the advice he received from his wife, he said, "She was actually lying next to my boy (son), sleeping when I asked for advice. She called back a few minutes later, told me that she backed me and (advised me) to stay calm. She is on her way. She is arriving (in India) tomorrow (April 11). That was the inspiration."

Melanie asked whether he would call her before every game from now on, a smiling De Villiers replied, "I am cheesy now, on air."

De Villiers, due to back problem, missed Bangalore's opening two matches. The team is still without their captain Virat Kohli, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. In Kohli's absence, Shane Watson is leading the side. So far, Bangalore have lost 2 and won 1 match. Next they face Mumbai Indians in Bengaluru on April 14 (Friday).

Watch De Villiers' chat with commentators

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