IPL 2020: Virat Kohli 'leading by example' as Bangalore seek IPL turn-around

AB de Villiers says India captain driving the change in attitude among the perennial underachievers

Kohli and teammates play some football as part of training on September 3. Courtesy imVkohli / Twitter

Virat Kohli enjoys some time in the nets in Dubai. Courtesy imVkohli / Twitter

Kohli's recovery involved an ice bath. Courtesy imVkohli / Twitter

Kohli laughs during training on September 1. Courtesy imVkohli / Twitter

Kohli deep in discussion after a batting session on September 1. Courtesy imVkohli / Twitter

South Africa batsman AB de Villiers has praised Virat Kohli's leadership, saying the Royal Challengers captain "leads by example" as the team attempts to shred their underachievers tag in this year's Indian Premier League.

In an interview on the team's YouTube channel, De Villiers said the India captain was driving the "hard-working environment" around the squad as they countdown to Saturday's opening match in the UAE.

"He leads by example, he sets the standards and it is pretty easy to follow when you have a captain leading from the front," said De Villiers.

Bangalore have finished bottom of the eight-team league in two of the past three seasons. Kohli's side begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai next Monday.

Kohli, who has led the Bangalore side since 2013, has said he has "never felt so calm" entering an IPL season.

De Villiers understands that Bangalore have promised plenty before without delivering, but the three-time ICC ODI Player of the Year said this year was "different".

"Looking at the combinations there is back-up everywhere. And we have options for Virat to play the best XI," he added.

The Twenty20 tournament is being held in UAE because of the surge in coronavirus cases in India, which is the second worst-hit nation behind the United States.

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