‘Not as spicy anymore’: AB de Villiers flags concern over MI star ahead of IPL
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has expressed concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, suggesting Trent Boult may have lost pace and effectiveness. De Villiers warned that this could be an area opposition batters might target, despite the team's otherwise strong squad. However, Abhinav Mukund remains optimistic about Mumbai's depth and balance.
NEW DELHI: Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has raised a key concern for Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2026, warning that one of their frontline pacers may no longer possess the same edge that once made him a match-winner. Despite Mumbai Indians boasting a star-studded squad, ABD believes there could be a vulnerability that opposition teams might look to exploit. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he pointed out that while the team looks well-balanced on paper, there are subtle signs of decline in one of their experienced bowlers.
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But the one worry for me is Trent Boult. It's similar to Bhuvi [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] situation, where he has lost a yard. He is not as spicy as he was from 2018, 2019 and 2020, even earlier 2015,” de Villiers said, suggesting a noticeable dip in pace and effectiveness.
ABD elaborated on how the bowler’s strengths have slightly waned over time. “He was clocking in low 140s, really swinging it late because of that fiery wrist he got, but he's maybe pulled back like a yard and he seems to be more expensive over the last while that I have watched him play over at SA20,” he added. The former RCB star cautioned that this perceived dip could give a “false sense of security” to the franchise.