VVS Laxman hails AB de Villiers as most complete player

AB de Villiers playing a reverse paddle sweep in the game against SRH

Former India batsman VVS Laxman has said that AB de Villiers is the most complete batsman in the modern era. De Villiers, who is known for his wonderful stroke play as well as innovative shots, has been excelling in the IPL thus far. He has played a couple of blinders, the best one being against Sunrisers Hyderabad – whose team mentor is Laxman himself. In that particular match, de Villiers took the game to Dale Steyn and won the match for RCB.

When asked whether De Villiers is the most complete player, Laxman said: “Yes, he is without a doubt. And I feel (Glenn) Maxwell is getting there. Like Maxwell, AB can play shots all around the wicket. He has got three or four shots for one delivery. There is nothing that he cannot do when he is batting. He is quick on his feet and in his thought process.

“To execute some of the shots he has played, one has to have a quick mind, which he has done effectively not only to mediocre bowlers but also to the best in the business. He is quick on his feet, always thinking, and an exceptional runner between the wickets, which makes him a complete cricketer.”

He further added, “That is why he is complete. Because of his good basic technique, even on tough conditions, he can adapt quickly. To unsettle the opposition, he can play some freak shots and get his innovation into the picture and change the game singlehandedly. He has the potential to play aggressively and be defensive at the same time.”