‘Though I want RCB to win…’: AB de Villers predicts IPL 2023 winner

South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore veteran batter AB de Villiers has predicted the winner of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League and it’s not RCB.
De Villers, who was recently inducted into the ‘RCB Hall of Fame’ said that he really wanted RCB to lift the trophy this year but he believes that the Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans are capable of winning the league.
“Very difficult one. A long time ago, during the IPL auction, I had said that Gujarat Titans are going to go back-to-back. I am going to stick to that, even though I really want RCB to win. Since last year I have felt that they have a really great team, very well-balanced. They have enough power. Hopefully, RCB goes all the way,” AB de Villiers told NDTV.
When asked what changes he’s noticed in former RCB skipper Virat Kohli in the recent past, he said that the latter has become more relaxed after stepping down as both RCB and India captain.
“I think letting the captaincy go last season played a big role in him relaxing. He was a fantastic captain but he did it for a long period of time both internationally and also at the IPL which can be daunting. You never get time off to chill or spend with family or have a laugh with some friends. I think that is his mantra for this season, just to go out and have fun, keep smiling,” de Villiers said.
“I have not seen much change, everything is similar. The technique looks solid; he has got good balance at the crease. He is still that ‘busy’ player with a lot of energy at the wicket.”
“I just feel, this season he has come in looking really fresh. I have seen some of his interviews where he is laughing more than ever…,” he added.
In their campaign opener, an unbeaten 82-run knock from Virat Kohli propelled RCB to an eight-wicket victory over Rohit Sharma’s Mumbai Indians.

They meet Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens tonight for their second match of the season.