Commentary sagas are bound to exist in this format we have coined the IPL—Indian Premier League. So too the 2025 season has been witness to some memorable, action-packed clashes. One argument that has been the most captivating was when AB de Villiers went on air to criticize IPL commentators. As a majestic figure for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he bluntly criticized IPL commentators, calling them ‘lazy and negative’ for their commentary during RCB’s Lethal Slot against LSG.
The Disgrace: RCB’s Bowlers Under Fire
In what turned out to be the final league match of RCB for the 2025 season against LSG at Ekana Stadium, commentators completely torched the Bangalore bowling brigade, claiming them to be under pressure; heck, they even went to the lengths of calling them ‘useless’ while LSG were feasting on 227 runs in the first inning. According to de Villiers, everything was scripted and did not depict reality, and all of the playing conditions were biased towards RCB’s bowlers.
AB de Villiers has shown no inhibition in saying what has been on his mind. Finally someone had the guts to stand up against the boundless and relentless negativity coming out of the commentary box. De Villiers, on his YouTube show and in other interviews, made the claim that had the commentators had any professionalism and respect for their jobs, they would realize the pitch was a belter for batting and these scores are not the outcome of dismal bowling efforts. Rather, they are a direct outcome of dismal pitching conditions. Perhaps it was simply an exceptional batting wicket, huh?” De Villiers commented while demanding deeper consideration.
Commentators Overlooked the Pitch Conditions.
De Villiers observed that Rishabh Pant’s astonishing 118 off 61 balls was evidence of a batting surface and not simply poor bowling. He noted, for example, that those types of scores could only be possible on simple pitches. “Rishabh Pant is not going to score 118 off 60-odd balls on a tricky, very difficult pitch,” he remarked while stressing that Rishabh’s counter-narrative had an impact on the baton pace commentators had become accustomed to.
RCB’s Record-Breaking Chase
RCB’s historic chase commenced with RCB responding to 227 runs with a run chase that was completed in just 18.4 overs. This victory marked RCB’s first top-two finish in nine years and ‘silenced’ critics questioning the team’s strategic prowess. De Villiers commended the determination of the RCB squad, stating that the bowlers were not “blown away,” emphasizing the chaotic nature of T20 matches.
The Broader Debate: Commentary and Cricket Analysis
The comments from De Villiers have brought up an even larger issue of the role of a commentator in the public perception cycle. He slammed the criticisms over RCB’s bowling for being negative and unimaginative. He asked the commentators and analysts to do their homework and stop using mindless figurative language. It was rather lazy to come up with phrases like ‘Here we go again. Another failure from the bowlers, who are pathetic, without giving a detailed explanation.
Fan Reactions and Impact on Team Morale
RCB supporters went all out trying to defend de Villiers and have recognized problematic coverage that may lead to unbalanced treatment. The episode also shed light on the sidelined topic of criticism and the media’s effect concerning the impact on team morale. With playoffs staring them in the face, the team is under pressure to silence the naysayers and fight for the IPL title, which has eluded them for years.
