Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) all-rounder Will Jacks has shared his thoughts on the challenging task of stepping into the shoes of the legendary South African batter, AB de Villiers, as the franchise’s premier overseas batter. Jacks’ recent stellar performance against the Gujarat Titans has sparked comparisons to De Villiers, with fans reminiscing about the iconic moments the South African maestro delivered during his tenure with 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 match against the Titans last Sunday. Partnering with star batter Virat Kohli, Jacks orchestrated an unbeaten 166-run stand. His aggressive batting display saw him reach his maiden IPL century in just 41 balls, punctuated by an array of boundaries and sixes reminiscent of De Villiers’ style.
Addressing the comparisons
During the RCB Insider show, known for its humorous content, Jacks acknowledged the weight of the comparisons to De Villiers. Despite the daunting task, Jacks paid tribute to the former South African skippper, expressing his determination to contribute to the team’s success in his own capacity.
“It is a bit daunting, it is a bit scary (becoming the next AB de Villiers for RCB). Ab De Villiers is an RCB Legend, He is a World Legend. It is a lot of weight but I will just have to do what I can,” said Jacks.
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AB de Villiers’ legacy
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 looms large over the team. Ahead of the ongoing season, he was enshrined in the RCB ‘Hall of Fame’ alongside cricket luminaries 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, amassing 176 runs in five matches at an impressive average of 44.00 and a strike rate exceeding 191. His standout performance includes a century and a fifty, with an unbeaten innings of 100*. Additionally, Jacks has contributed with the ball, claiming two wickets with his handy spin bowling.
RCB’s current standing
Despite Jacks’ individual brilliance, RCB find themselves at the bottom of the IPL points table with three wins and seven losses, totaling six points. Their next challenge awaits as they face the Gujarat Titans at home on Saturday, aiming to turn the tide and revive their campaign in the tournament.
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