Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) All-rounder Will Jacks shared his thoughts on the challenging task of stepping into the role of the legendary South African batsman, AB de Villiers, as the franchise’s best foreign hitter. Jacks’ recent outstanding performance against the Gujarat Titans has sparked comparisons with De Villiers, with fans recalling the iconic moments the South African maestro delivered during his tenure at RCB.
Will Jacks’ heroics against Gujarat Titans
Jacks, who joined RCB in 2022 and missed the 2023 season due to injury, made a resounding comeback in the game against Titans last Sunday. Partnering with Star Batter Virat Kohli, Jacks orchestrated an unbeaten stand of 166 runs. His aggressive batting saw him reach his maiden IPL century in just 41 balls, punctuated by a series of boundaries and sixes reminiscent of De Villiers’ style.
Dealing with the comparisons
During the RCB Insider show, known for its humorous content, Jacks acknowledged the significance of the De Villiers comparisons. Despite the daunting task, Jacks paid tribute to the former South African captain and expressed his determination to contribute to the team’s success on his own terms.
“It’s a bit discouraging, it’s a bit scary (becoming the next AB de Villiers for RCB). Ab De Villiers is an RCB legend, he is a world legend. It’s a lot of weight, but I just have to do what I can,” Jacks said.
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The legacy of AB de Villiers
De Villiers, who represented RCB from 2011 to 2021, remains an integral part of the franchise’s history. With over 5000 runs and numerous match-winning performances for RCB, De Villiers’ legacy holds great significance for the team. Ahead of the current season, he was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame alongside cricketing greats like Chris Gayle and Vinay Kumar.
Jacks performance in IPL 2024
In the 17th edition of the cash-rich league, Jacks has showcased his prowess with the bat, scoring 176 runs in five games at an impressive average of 44.00 and a strike rate of over 191. His standout performances include a century and fifty, with an unbeaten innings of 100*. Additionally, Jacks contributed with the ball, taking two wickets with his deft spin bowling.
The current status of RCB
Despite Jacks’ individual brilliance, RCB sit at the bottom of the IPL points table with three wins and seven losses, for a total of six points. Their next challenge awaits them when they take on Gujarat Titans at home on Saturday, aiming to turn the tide and revive their campaign in the tournament.