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IPL 2021: AB de Villiers needs to continue as a finisher feels Irfan Pathan

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What a sensational start it proved to be for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the curtain-raiser of Vivo IPL 14 against the defending champions Mumbai Indians as they defeated them by two wickets in the final delivery of the match courtesy an AB de Villiers masterclass. It was a much-needed victory for a team who are on a mission trying to win their first-ever IPL trophy. 

Kohli and Co is all set to lock horns in the 6th match of the competition against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. While RCB started off with a nail-biting victory, SRH began their campaign on a losing note against the Kolkata Knight Riders. Ahead of the encounter, former Indian speedster Irfan Pathan has a piece of advice for Kohli and Co. He wants AB de Villiers to continue as a finisher with the likes of Washington Sundar and Glenn Maxwell coming up the order. 

Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Irfan Pathan said that Maxwell needs to spend as much time in the middle as possible and playing him above ABD will give him the luxury to play his natural game. Playing with freedom is a key factor for Maxwell and it will be interesting to see his role in the team going forward in the tournament. 

“AB de Villiers is such a player who can play in the top order, the middle order and also as a brilliant and consistent finisher. So, for that reason, RCB should play Maxwell higher up the batting order and hope that he plays fearlessly like in the first game,” Irfan Pathan said. 

“I would like to add another point that Washington Sundar should play in the top order consistently. Even after Devdutt Padikkal returns, play him at No. 3. We have been seeing RCB for so long and they always seem an Indian batsman short. So, if Washington Sundar even scores 20-25 runs consistently then the rest of the batting order is very dangerous and they'll get some firepower in the middle order,” he further added.

There is no doubt about the fact that Maxwell is one of the most dangerous players going around. He is a phenomenal striker of the ball and has the ability to take any bowling attack to the cleaners on his day. Irfan Pathan feels that Maxwell’s presence in the middle order will be very crucial for RCB as it puts some undue pressure on the opposition. It will force the opposition captain to tinker with their strategy and employ the best bowlers at that juncture of the game. 

“When a player of Maxwell's calibre bats in the middle-order, he won't take too much time. He is a busy contender and that puts the opposition under pressure to bring their main bowlers and their planning gets completely changed. So, Maxwell playing at four is very crucial for RCB,” Pathan concluded.



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