Published: Apr 16, 2016, 01:07 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 16, 2016, 01:07 PM (IST)
South Africa’s ace bowler Kyle Abbott has been consistent with his performance in the recent times. In the absence of Dale Steyn due to injury, Abbott has taken over the role comfortably and handled it with ease bringing success to South Africa. He has proved himself in various conditions and has shown the ability to lead the attack, which comprises the likes of Kasigo Rabada and Chris Morris including Steyn. Looking at his impressive performance, he was bid to Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2016 auctions for Rs. 2.1 crores. Despite his consistency, Abbott has been unable to seal a spot for himself in the team as the management still refers to Steyn in crisis situation. Even with a tough competition, the pacer does not mind it and said, “Steyn and I enjoy a healthy competition. He doesn’t keep me in the comfort zone and that’s what brings the best out of me.” FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2016, Match 8 at Hyderabad.
In conversation with Times of India, he further added, “This holds true for him also. But it doesn’t mean that we work against each other.” Abbott also made a revelation mentioning it was he who taught Steyn back-of-the-hand slower ball, “I taught Steyn how to bowl the back-of-the-hand slower ball. He was not getting it right and I worked with him so that he gets the accuracy right. And the best part is he acknowledges the fact that he learnt it from me. He is one of the fast bowling legends but it shows great character to accept that he learnt something from a junior.” READ: IPL 2016: Dale Steyn believes his T20 bowling stats have been reasonable
Abbott enjoys adding knowledge to seniors bowling experience and has also evolved over the years as a bowler. He is working on a new slowe delivery with his KXIP team mate Mohit Sharma for which he said, “Mohit uses his fingers to bowl this version of the slower one. So when I joined KXIP, I started working on it with him.” The pacer also feels bowling at the nets to AB de Villiers has helped him improve, “You might get away with a bad ball with any other batsman. But with AB, it is impossible. He can hit even a brilliant delivery for a six. He will improvise and play such a shot that will leave you bewildered. So bowling to him at the nets definitely helps me in becoming a better bowler. He also tells me about the areas where I need to bowl, where he finds it difficult to hit. So I try to execute those.”
He also feels India’s star batsman Virat Kohli could improvise with few shots, “If you see, Kohli is constantly evolving and there are a few shots which he needs to perfect. But AB is a complete batsman. He has a 360 degree reach and can hit you anywhere. So he is the hardest to bowl to. Along with Gayle, they make Royal Challengers Bangalore such a powerhouse. It will be a challenge to bowl at them when we face them.”
