When Ray Jennings reprimanded AB de Villiers

Ray Jennings and De Villiers during an RCB training session

AB de Villiers’ status as an international superstar catapulted upwards when the South African signed for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011. His stint for the Bangalore franchise has been peppered with several mind-boggling knocks, making the 32-year old hugely popular all over India.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailings for De Villiers. His temperament was questioned in the initial phase of his career, his aggressive shot selection led to his demise after quick starts. He might have become a sensation under Ray Jennings’ tutelage for the RCB, but the two didn’t get off to a good start.

The story goes back to 2004

Months before he made his debut for the national side, he was part of the South Africa A team that hosted New Zealand A twelve years ago. He stacked up a quick 30 runs off just 25 balls. He admitted how it was ‘fun’, scoring four boundaries and looking ‘eager to play some strokes’. Yet, he threw away his wicket soon after and was heavily reprimanded by the coach, Ray Jennings, who even went on to say that he won’t ever play in a team coached by him. 

In his recently released autobiography, De Villiers reveals exactly what transpired between the two when the South African star threw away his wicket after a swift start. 

‘Who the hell do you think you are, De Villiers? You walk in and you are loose. You don’t respect the opposition and the game. That attitude is going to cost us. It’s not good enough for this team and I promise you won’t play in my team again’, Jennings is quoted as having said in AB’s book.

The captain, Ashwell Prince, had to intervene and calm the coach down, who was not at all amused, saying that it was ‘just not acceptable’. 

De Villiers admits that he was ‘shocked and speechless’ by what transpired, stunned by the intensity of the coach’s tirade. He understood, however, that he needed to perform well and realise his complete potential if he wanted to progress to the next level.

The South African eventually did play under Ray Jennings, first for the national side, and then for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for three whole seasons. He states that Jennings remains one of the most outstanding coaches that he ever had, and has ‘his complete respect’.