KL Rahul opens up on ‘cute, very nice relationship’ with AB de Villiers

KL Rahul, who is leading the Lucknow Super Giants in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League, has opened up on the relationship he shares with South African batting legend and one of his favourite players, AB de Villiers.

Appearing on the Youtube show ‘Breakfast with Champions,’ Rahul recalled his first IPL when he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. 

“My kid in a candy store moment came in I think 2012 or 2013 season, which was my first. I walked in and (saw) Virat (Kohli), Chris Gayle, Zaheer Khan and AB, who was my favourite player,” Rahul said.

“And he still is one of my favourite players. I always go back and I’m always watching videos of him. So now, just before going to South Africa, I watched AB de Villiers’ hundreds in South Africa, before going to England, it was AB De Villiers in England, and I like how he bats. He’s always been one of my favourite players.”

Revealing that he and ABD share a “very nice, cute relationship,” he added, “I’m still very like… I don’t have words. Nothing comes out. I try and then look like an idiot when trying to make a conversation with him after the games in IPL because there is so much I want to ask him but I don’t know. It’s a proper fanboy moment with him.”

In November last year, AB de Villiers announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, marking an end to a career that spanned more than 18 years.

“It has been an incredible journey, but I have decided to retire from all cricket. Ever since the back yard matches with my older brothers, I have played the game with pure enjoyment and unbridled enthusiasm. Now, at the age of 37, that flame no longer burns so brightly,” he had said.