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Virat Kohli, one of the modern greats of cricket, has always had immense respect for his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, AB de Villiers. After de Villiers’ induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, Kohli shared a heartfelt tribute, hailing him as the “most talented” cricketer he has ever played alongside. This tribute came just after the South African cricket legend was honored by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for his contributions to the sport.
Kohli and de Villiers’ camaraderie on and off the field has been a prominent feature of their time together at RCB. Kohli praised de Villiers not only for his skill but also for his adaptability and sportsmanship. According to Kohli, de Villiers has an extraordinary ability to influence a game’s outcome and elevate the entire team with his performance. Whether facing fast bowlers or navigating difficult match situations, de Villiers’ technique and mental fortitude made him a standout player throughout his career.
Their partnership, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has produced some iconic moments, and Kohli fondly recalled these while lauding de Villiers’ ICC recognition. One of the most memorable times was during the 2015 season, where de Villiers’ heroics helped RCB in numerous critical matches. He was known for his 360-degree shots and ability to adapt to any situation, making him a player the opposition feared but fans adored.
De Villiers’ cricketing journey is nothing short of remarkable. With over 20,000 international runs across formats, he is considered one of the most versatile players in the history of the game. His innings in multiple formats — Test cricket, One Day Internationals, and T20 — have set a benchmark for modern cricketers. His quick reflexes and innovative stroke play were just a few reasons why he earned the nickname “Mr. 360.” Kohli emphasized these aspects in his tribute, highlighting that de Villiers’ versatility is what sets him apart from other cricketers.
The bond between Kohli and de Villiers has always been special. Both players often spoke highly of each other during their time together, and the respect was mutual. Kohli, who has broken numerous records himself, has always maintained that de Villiers’ impact on cricket goes beyond just numbers. He mentioned in his tribute how de Villiers played with passion, not for individual accolades but for the team’s success.
AB de Villiers’ induction into the ICC Hall of Fame was widely celebrated across the cricketing world. Fans, players, and former teammates all paid tribute to the South African legend, recognizing his invaluable contributions to the sport. The Hall of Fame honor is a fitting tribute to a player who redefined how cricket could be played, especially in the shorter formats.
Kohli’s message reflects the admiration and affection he has for his long-time friend and former teammate. As de Villiers enters this new chapter in his career, his legacy as one of the game’s greats will continue to inspire cricketers for generations to come. Both Kohli and de Villiers’ partnership will forever be etched in the history of cricket, particularly through their unforgettable performances for RCB in the IPL.