IPL 2017: AB de Villiers says he is ready and very close to attaining 100% fitness

What’s the story?

South Africa and Royal Challengers Bangalore cricketer AB de Villiers has said that he is close to attaining 100% fitness and should be available for the third game against the Kings XI Punjab at Indore on Monday.

“Boys showed a lot of guts and character. That is what the team is all about. I am looking forward to the rest of the tournament.

“Yeah, I am ready to go. I am very close to 100% now and with two days out for the next game. So hopefully, I’ll be up for selection for the next one,” de Villiers told the team’s YouTube channel on Sunday.

In case you didn’t know...

The 32-year-old could not play the first two games because of a troublesome back. He didn’t feature in the side’s next game as well against the Delhi Daredevils, which the team won thanks to an excellent bowling effort.

The heart of the matter

If there is one squad in the present edition of the IPL which has been severely hit by injuries, it is the Royal Challengers. Prior to the start of the season, Virat Kohli was confirmed to be out for a few games, then the de Villiers news came in and just when you thought things seemed to be calming down, the news of Sarfaraz Khan being ruled out of the entire season only added to the misery.

Extra Cover: IPL 2017: AB de Villiers confirms he will not be RCB's wicketkeeper

Despite those losses, the likes of Kedar Jadhav rose to the occasion in the last game and helped the side to a win in front of their home fans against the Daredevils.

What’s next?

This news will surely serve as music to the ears of every RCB fan who has been praying for de Villiers and Kohli to return to the side as quickly as possible. While the latter is still out of the action, the news of the former coming back soon will please every supporter of the franchise.

RCB take on Kings XI later today following which they will play host to the Mumbai Indians.

Follow Live: IPL Live Score: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Author’s Take

If indeed de Villiers is fully fit for the match, then he should be drafted in to the starting XI right away. The South African will add the strength the line-up has been lacking in the past two games.