Sanjay Manjrekar recently stirred the pot with his bold assertion that one of cricket’s most celebrated players, played for the “wrong franchise” during his illustrious 11-season tenure with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This statement has ignited discussions about the impact of franchise dynamics on player performance and legacy.
The misfit in RCB
AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his remarkable ability to play shots all around the ground, is undeniably one of the greatest players in T20 cricket history. However, Manjrekar’s comments suggest that RCB may not have been the ideal fit for De Villiers’ immense talent. He opined that the franchise’s management and strategy limited De Villiers’ potential, particularly in T20 cricket, where match-winning performances are paramount.
“AB was incredible. But AB’s greatness was that he averaged 50 in Tests. Even in one day (ODIs). So, he’s an amazing player. But only if you look at T20 cricket; I’ve seen both of them a lot. AB, in IPL, he was not used properly. His real ability. So, in IPL we didn’t get that much juice out of him. Definitely (batted higher). And, sorry to say, but played for the wrong franchise. If he had played elsewhere, we could have seen the greatness of AB de Villiers,” Manjrekar stated during a discussion on Star Sports.
This critique raises questions about RCB’s approach to utilizing their star players effectively. Despite De Villiers’ explosive batting and match-winning capabilities, RCB has historically struggled to secure an IPL title, finishing as runners-up three times without ever clinching the trophy. De Villiers himself acknowledged RCB’s weaknesses over the years, particularly in forming a consistent core group of players—a strategy that has proven successful for franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
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Legends legacy beyond titles
While Manjrekar’s assessment may hold some truth regarding franchise strategy, it is crucial to recognize De Villiers’ significant contributions to RCB during his tenure. He is the second-highest run-scorer in the franchise’s history, amassing 4,522 runs from 2011 to 2021, only behind Virat Kohli. His remarkable innings include a record-breaking unbeaten 129 against Gujarat Lions in 2016, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Moreover, De Villiers’ legacy transcends mere statistics. His innovative batting style and ability to entertain fans have made him a beloved figure in Indian cricket. Even after his retirement from all formats in 2021, he declared himself an “RCB-ian for life,” emphasizing his emotional connection with the franchise and its supporters.
Sanjay Manjrekar compares greatness
The discussion sparked by Manjrekar also involved a comparison between De Villiers and current T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav. While Manjrekar placed Suryakumar slightly above De Villiers e Villiers in T20Is based on recent performances, he conceded that De Villiers remains superior in Tests and ODIs. This comparison highlights the evolution of T20 cricket and how different players excel in varying formats.
