AB de Villiers praised the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s balance despite their opening defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. 

Despite a good batting display by De Villiers, who scored 44 off 23 balls to help his side to 176-7, RCB still suffered a comprehensive four-wicket loss to KKR.

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The Bangalore side received criticism regarding their batting-heavy lineup with critics labelling RCB as an ‘unbalanced’.

De Villiers dismissed the criticism and despite their four-wicket defeat believed that the bowlers did a good job for them.

‘In recent seasons, the experts have said we are unbalanced, that we are fine when our top four fire but that we lack the bowling strength to compete consistently and challenge for the title,’ De Villiers told Times of India.

‘Well, I saw enough in Kolkata to say this will not be true in 2018. Our bowlers performed with skill and heart all the way through their innings and impressed me. We have real energy and variety in our attack, and there are strong options on the bench, so I am sure it’s only a matter of time before their collective talent starts to shine through.’

De Villiers also revealed the disappointment received from his coach Daniel Vettori.

‘Dan Vettori pulled me to one side after Sunday’s opening defeat against KKR at Eden Gardens. He was disappointed with the result, but he wanted me to know he had seen plenty of positives in our performance and he felt optimistic about our prospects.’

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