New Delhi: After playing a crucial role in Australia's World Cup victory, Mitchell Johnson is now training his eyes on the challenge of bowling to the fearsome AB de Villiers when Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League.

Johnson, who will once again spearhead the KXIP attack, termed De Villiers as the "best batsman across most formats" and someone who is a formidable opponent.

"I think the most difficult batsman to bowl to is AB. He has been quite incredible in the last two years. He has excelled as the best player across most formats. For me it has always been a challenge to bowl to AB and a lot of guys love the challenge of bowling to him. Having said that, any quality batsman can have a good day in the T20 format," Johnson, who resumed training on Tuesday, said during an interaction.

Johnson was all praise for KXIP's young Indian pacers Sandeep Sharma and Shardul Thakur, as the duo impressed him with their keenness "to learn" the art of fast bowling.

"I played with Sandeep last year. It's great to work with him as he keeps getting better and better. I saw Sandeep at the nets. He got some good pace going," said the left-arm speedster.

"What I like about Sandeep is that, he is an easy guy to work with. He listens to what I am saying as I find it important for a youngster to be able to listen to what a senior guy is saying. I am also impressed with this new guy Shardul," added Johnson.

For one of world's fastest bowlers, it is important to "talk to the youngsters and play a leading role" during the upcoming seven weeks of cash-rich league.

Johnson feels that there isn't much difference between bowling in ODIs and T20s as "one format rolls into another" with the amount of international cricket that's played these days.

"I don't think there would be any change of plans while switching from ODIs to T20 format." (PTI)