“I would just tell him to relax” - AB de Villiers’ massive statement on Team India star ahead of IND vs SA 2025 3rd T20I

South African legend AB de Villiers made a massive statement on Team India star Abhishek Sharma ahead of the third T20I. The two teams are currently playing a five-match series, with the third game scheduled for Sunday, December 14.

Talking about India's top three batters, De Villiers reckoned that they have been under pressure to play aggressively in the powerplay. However, he felt that the batters should look to play their own game. Speaking particularly about Abhishek, he advised the star opener to slow down a bit, watch the ball, and relax rather than putting pressure on himself to send every ball out of the park.

"I think the top three have been labelled to be incredibly aggressive and there's a lot of pressure on them to play in a certain way. I think the trend for them moving forward for them will to be find their own game and just slow down a touch. Not every ball has to go for a six because of the reputation you've given out in the IPL. Especially to Abhishek, I would just tell him to relax and watch the ball and just play. No one expects of you to hit every ball for a six. I think they're sometimes in a rush and forget to do the basics and lay a platform," he said on his YouTube channel.

In the second T20I, Abhishek began well but was dismissed early. He made 17 runs off eight balls with two sixes at a strike rate of 212.5. Shubman Gill was sent back for a first-ball duck.

AB de Villiers added that the top three Indian batters must remember what has worked for them and the basics. He highlighted once again that they must not try to be aggressive all the time.

"The theme for India moving forward should be for the top three not to play, I don't think they're arrogant, but they feel the pressure of having to play a certain way. Just remember you're up against international bowling attacks and pressure is even more. Just remember why you have been successful and what the basics are. That will be my message to the top three in the Indian batting line-up."

Chasing 214, the Men in Blue were bowled out for 162 as the Proteas levelled the series 1-1.

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AB de Villiers on India's T20I middle-order flexibility

In the same video, AB de Villiers also gave his insights on India's T20I middle-order flexibility. Despite certain players moving up and down the order, the South African legend reckoned that there was nothing wrong with the flexibility.

"I don't think there is anything wrong with the middle order flexibility. They can float, they can jump up and down. The top three will stay similar. Four, five, six, seven - I've always liked a floating batting order as there are different match-ups and there are certain batters who don't like facing certain bowlers but also fancy facing some. As a coach, it's your responsibility to get those match-ups right," he said.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav batted at number three in the first T20I while Axar Patel batted at five. In the second game, Axar batted at three while Suryakumar dropped down to number four. Tilak Varma batted at four in the first game but came down at number five in the second.