I'll do whatever it takes to win games, including intimidating Virat Kohli, says De Villiers
AB de Villiers claimed that he will do whatever it takes to ensure his side won matches on the field and is ready to indulge in sledging as well, IBNLive reports. The South African added that he is ready to do verbal battle with Indian skipper Virat Kohli should the situation demand it.
The 31-year-old is one of the most loved cricketers around the world and though De Villiers admitted that he likes to carry himself in a good manner off the field, he said that he is a different individual when it comes to on the field action.
"I'm not a nice guy on the field. I want to win games. I'll do whatever it takes for us to win games of cricket. If I have to sledge, I'll get involved like that. I'll try and intimidate a player if I have to. I'll try and get Virat off his game by talking about his technique and little flaws. I don't mind doing things like that, whatever it takes to win games of cricket.
"I've never really respected a guy who's been a 'nice guy' on the field. I want (the) opposition to be hard, to play to win games for their team. Off the field, I try to be a good human being and it's got nothing to do with cricket. I know my role in the side and that's to win games for my team. A lot of times I don't have to be a nice guy to do that," De Villiers said.
Playing 100th Test in Bangalore is really special for me: De Villiers
De Villiers is all set to play his 100th Test match as India and South Africa are set to resume their battle on Saturday in the second Test to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. De Villiers, who plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, conceded that playing the landmark Test at the venue would be special.
"I've never been very fundamental about these kind of things. I don't care where I play my 100th Test. I would have been okay if it's in Bangladesh as well. I didn't mind where I played my 50th; I don't mind where I play any of my Test matches," de Villiers said. "Representing my country is a great honour. But I have to add that playing in Bangalore is really special for me. I love coming here. I enjoy touring India in general. I love coming here for the IPL."
De Villiers dismissed claims however that the occasion adds extra pressure on his shoulders.
"I don't feel any pressure because it's my 100th Test; I feel pressure because we're 1-0 down. It's a huge honour to play my 100th Test and never in my life I thought I'll be in this kind of position. I feel humbled and privileged to get the opportunity to walk out onto the field in my 100th Test,"
"I've never put too much pressure on myself. I just want to have an impact on the game. That's the kind of pressure I'm feeling. I want to play my role and get into a position where we can win this Test and get back into the series."