AB de Villiers has lauded Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli’s leadership skills in what is turning out to be a tough season so far in the IPL for the franchise.

The Royal Challengers’ hopes of making the playoff hang by a thread after their latest defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad which meant the side has now lost seven out of their 10 games.

Nevertheless, the South African ace has heaped praise on Kohli while speaking about their ever-growing friendship during a commercial event on Tuesday.

“He’s (Kohli) a great guy and I love playing with him. He’s become a great captain and an even better friend. So it’s been great. He’s always been an inspirational character and we have a few leaders in the team that carry the guys in the tough times. We just want to look ahead and try to get better,” De Villiers said.

The South African was dismissed for five runs in the loss to Hyderabad after being bowled by Rashid Khan. While praising the Afghanistan leg-spinner, the swashbuckling batsman maintained that he was happy with his personal form.

“I am batting very well. I am very, very happy. Rashid got me out previously. We haven’t played a lot against each other but he bowled well and he’s a very good bowler. I have a lot of respect for him,” he explained.

The Bengaluru franchise is currently in seventh spot in the league table and will require something close to a miracle to make the last four even if they win their remaining four matches.

Though he is focused on the next match against Delhi Daredevils, De Villiers conceded that the side’s performances had not been up to scratch so far.

“No we haven’t played well. It’s been very disappointing but there are four games left and I would love to not live in the past much. The focus is on what’s coming and that is Delhi, so we need to win that game and hopefully get a bit of a run going.”