Lot of similarities with Suryakumar, but he needs to be consistent for 2-3 years: AB de Villiers

Mumbai: South Africa's AB de Villiers is considered a perfect T20 player because of his ability to play 360-degree cricket, manufacturing unique shots and hitting the ball to all corners of the ground.

A lot of cricket experts consider India's Suryakumar Yadav as his mirror image, especially for his 360-degree play in the last couple of years. At the ongoing Men's T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav has played two vital innings -- one against Pakistan and the other against Zimbabwe in their final Super 12 match.

De Villiers said, SKY needs to be more consistent over a period of time.

"I think he is in space in his career that he's picked up enough experience and he has started to showcase what he is all about as a player. The only secret for him now is to find consistency. If he is able to do that for a year or two, he's gonna become one of India's best players. So, I am looking forward to watching that in the IPL next year or two," De Villiers said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Tuesday.

So, does AB de Villiers sees glimpses of himself in Suryakumar Yadav?

"He is a bit older than me, I started a bit younger than him. So, I was already thrown into the deep and when I was thrown into the deep end of international cricket.

"The way he is playing now, yes there are a lot of similarities and as I said, if he can be consistent as a player, which he is doing right now, for a long period of time, it could become great," said the 38-year-old South African batting legend.

De Villiers also said he was regularly in touch with Virat Kohli during his recent batting slump and said it was no surprise that the former India skipper rediscovered his touch.

"We have been talking all the time (during that difficult period). It is just a bit of inspiration and motivation and trying to give him all goodies as a player and as a person. That he mustn't worry too much. We have been in touch a lot. Basically, very happy to see him doing well," said de Villiers.

He said it took time but he was sure his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate would be back in form because he is a class player. IANS

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