'De Villiers’ style is phenomenal': Gayle

Dubai: South Africa’s hard hitting batsman and captain AB De Villiers has challenged the classical style of batting with his whirlwind knocks and even won accolades such as whether he is from another planet.

So what does Chris Gayle feel about De Villiers transformation? “De Villiers’ style of batting is phenomenal and totally different. He is very strong all around the ground and that is what makes him a destructive batter. Bowlers will find it to difficult to bowl to a particular batter like him who can reverse sweep, lap sweep and do all those sort of things. It is always difficult to set a field to those sort of batsmen who can score 360 degrees. He is in the form of his life as well. I wish it can continue and keep entertaining the people and do well for his country.”

Does he rate Brendon McCullum and Virat Kohli worthy to be on par with him? “McCullum is one of the most destructive batters in all forms of the game. He does not mess around and he is up there, same as me, who can score quickly. He is very good to watch and he running down to the fast bowlers is mind blowing. Kohli knows more on technical side but can be very destructive and score as quickly as any other big hitter. He is also up there.”

Gayle then went on to hail Indian Premier League. “IPL has made Indian cricket the way it is today. It has actually developed skills and confidence to face fast bowlers and players sharing dressing room with international players have got to know what they think on the field and how they will react to certain things. It has helped their cricket and shows in the number of cups they have won.”