One would completely agree that AB De Villiers is the batsman who possesses the most cricket shots. It may be because he never cares for the perfection in his shots. What he does instead is, focuses on setting the ball into the spots he wishes to. This has eventually ended up with these umpteen number of shots in his kit.
But we cannot find a better relationship than that of ABD and the middle of his bat. Timing the ball has always been a cakewalk for this South African.
So, coming into the top 5 shots of ABD among the many he has, is always a roll-licking debate. Let’s get into it.
1. The Fine sweep
Shuffles outside off stump – gets on his knees – gets underneath the ball – sweeps the steaming ball over the fine leg region.
Along with being a mysterious usher in this shot, the amount of sweet spot ABD could bring in during the connection produces the fuel for the ball to reach beyond the destination.
The ultimate error a bowler can make is to follow ABD throughout the shuffle because the 360° batter sweeps the bodyline ball even better.
This shot is what ABD goes for every time he is at his top gear. The South African finds it convincing to go through that space since the fine leg fielder used to be inside the circle during the death overs.
2. Pull shot
The South African has the traditional pulling technique divinely accompanied by the hefty bat swing and sheer timing.
ABD’s usual shuffle gets him in the suitable spot to have his rhythmic bat swing, which comes instinctively once he acknowledges the short ball.
The blade is turned over mid-wicket region when the short ball approaches him off of his eye line. Similarly, the blade turns over the square leg or further behind when the short ball comes to his leg side.
The most interesting factor is his margin of error, which is too low for this particular shot.
3. Lofted straight drive
The world seems to be a better place when ABD smokes it downtown.
It doesn’t bother the South African even though the ball speed clocks north of 140 Kmphs. If it’s a half volley, he never misses bringing his astonishing bat swing into play. And that’s when you can witness the magic.
The way he completes this shot would tell us how much power has been invested in it. However, what fascinates more is the instant elevation that ABD gets to make those huge sixes.
The attention he used to give for his backlift, bat swing and completion of the shot makes his lofted straight drive more unique than any other hitters.
4. Slogger sweep
Being a No. 4 in T20s, most of the time, ABD is press-ganged for the role to do away with the early collapses. However, during the middle overs, the seasoned campaigner of the slogger sweep breathed a sigh of relief with this shot whenever the run-rate pressure arose.
Unlike most other spin power hitters, he doesn’t need to wait for the fuller ball as the sweep shot is his natural asset.
Since he is too quick to cover the line of the ball, there is no specific line to stop him from sweeping.
In addition to these x-factors, his mesmerizing flexibility also gives him the upper hand to even dispatch the stock deliveries of perfect spinners over the midwicket region.
5. Reverse sweep
Among the two different types of reverse sweep ABD plays, we are talking about the one which he uses against the pacers.
It is completely a predetermined shot, which ABD fancies to go for when the third man is up in the circle. However, unlike his other shots, he uses a wide stance to make this shot really work.
When the ball steams faster, ABD guides the ball that could bisect the third man and backward point. And, when he has enough time, he whips it to make the ball go over the third man- mostly, they have gone for the maximum.
Eventually, ABD’s audacious and optimistic nature makes him the successful customer of this stroke.
To Wrap up
The problem with the batters with the most number of shots is their consistency. In the middle of showcasing everything they have got, they can lose their wicket as paying the price. Jos Buttler, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the few that come under this category.
But ABD is completely different. The more he plays the variety of shots, the more his adrenaline pumps. So, on the whole, cricket gets high-octane entertainment whenever this South African is at his best.
Abraham Benjamin De Villiers, WHAT A PLAYER !!!
