There is no arguing that Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have been in dynamic form for RCB in IPL2016. With RCB scheduled to play just one more game in the group stage this year, we take a look at how Kohli and AB have stacked up against each other in IPL2016, as well as wondering if either batsman has shown any signs of a weakness in the campaign to date.
Runs per Over
AB has scored his runs at the rate of 10.4 runs per over compared to Kohli’s 9.3 runs per over. Both Players have scored at a faster rate than all other batsmen (positions 1-7) in IPL2016, who collectively have scored at the rate of 7.9 runs per over.
Contribution Score per Ball
The Contribution Score shows each player’s runs scored above average taking into account the state of the game (in terms of team runs scored, wickets lost, overs left, batting first or second) at the time the batsman plays his innings. In IPL2016, AB has scored 0.6 runs per ball above average, marginally ahead of Kohli’s 0.4 runs per ball above average. As would be expected, all other batsmen in positions 1-7 in IPL2016 have performed in line with average with a Contribution Score per ball of 0.0.
Contribution Score per Inning
Although AB has scored at a faster rate and has a higher Contribution Score per ball than Kohli, Virat averages a Contribution Score per Innings of +16.2 compared to ABs +14.9 in IPL2016. I.e. Kohli’s contribution alone has resulted in RCB scoring 16.2 runs above average per match. Kohli was able to outdo AB in this metric as he faces on average an extra 17 balls per innings compared to AB. In terms of overall Contribution to team performance, the Contribution Score per Innings is the key metric and Kohli has come out on top in the one that counts!
Kohli Versus Bowler Type
The chart below shows Kohli’s Contribution Score per Ball (blue line) against each bowling type he has faced in IPL2016, compared to the Contribution Score per Ball of all other batsmen in positions 1-7 (red line) against each bowling type faced in IPL2016. As can be seen Kohli has performed well above average against all bowling types except RAB FS (off spin), LAB FS (left arm orthodox) and LAB medium pace. The latter two bowling types have accounted for just 17% of balls faced by Kohli this campaign…maybe the opposition should be trying to exploit this more!
AB de Villiers Versus Bowler Type
Interestingly, AB and Kohli share off-spin, left arm orthodox and left arm medium pace bowling as the only three types of bowling where they have not performed above average in IPL2016. For AB however his performances against these types of bowling were not below average, but in line with average. While these numbers don’t reveal a weakness for AB per say, given that Kohli plays left arm orthodox and left arm medium bowling below average, I would certainly be looking to target Kohli and de Villiers with as many balls from these types of bowlers as possible.
Kohli Versus Bowler
The chart below shows Kohli’s Contribution Score per ball against bowlers he has faced at least 10 deliveries from in IPL2016. Reading the chart clockwise from the top, Kohli has performed most above average against Ishant Sharma, and continued to perform above average against all bowlers through to Morne Morkel. However Kohli has performed below average against bowlers from CH Morris through to the “Fizz” against whom Kohli has had the most difficulty.
de Villers versus Bowler
Interestingly, de Villiers has faced a minimum of 10 deliveries from far fewer bowlers compared to Kohli. de Villiers record is above average against all bowlers until BB Sran. Maybe not surprisingly, the “Fizz” is the bowler that both Kohli and de Villiers had the most difficulty facing. Does anyone know if the Fizz has any brothers??
