Virat Kohli Calls De Villiers the ‘Most Talented Cricketer’—A Hall of Fame Tribute
Virat Kohli has recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his close friend and former teammate, AB de Villiers, following the latter’s induction into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. Kohli referred to de Villiers as the “most talented cricketer” he has ever had the privilege of playing with, a sentiment that underscores the profound respect and admiration he holds for the South African cricketing icon.
De Villiers joins an illustrious group of cricketers, including England’s Alastair Cook and the pioneering Indian woman cricketer Neetu David, in this latest class of inductees. Throughout his remarkable career, AB de Villiers amassed over 20,000 runs across all three formats of international cricket, establishing himself as one of the first true greats of the game capable of excelling in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20s alike.
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In a touching letter addressed to de Villiers upon learning of his Hall of Fame induction, Kohli expressed that this honor is a testament to the significant impact de Villiers has had on the game of cricket. He stated, “You are thoroughly deserving of your place—after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique.” This acknowledgement from Kohli, a legend in his own right, emphasizes de Villiers’ extraordinary contributions and unparalleled talent.
Virat Kohli Calls De Villiers
Reflecting on their time together, Kohli pointed out that de Villiers’ skill set transcends mere statistics. Averaging over 50 in Test cricket and striking at more than 135 in T20s, de Villiers showcased not only his batting prowess but also his remarkable athleticism as a fielder and wicketkeeper. Kohli noted that de Villiers had an innate ability to handle pressure situations with remarkable self-belief and a flair for the extraordinary. “You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did. That is why you ended up being so special,” Kohli reflected.
A vivid example from their time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) illustrates this point perfectly. Kohli recounted a match in 2016 when Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced a daunting target of 184 runs. As de Villiers joined Kohli at the crease, the team was still finding its footing against a formidable bowling attack, which included the likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. Kohli remembers de Villiers expressing some difficulty in picking Narine’s bowling during a timeout. Instead of opting for caution, de Villiers astounded everyone by slog-sweeping Narine for a massive six, despite having not picked the ball well. Kohli noted, “That sums you up. You could just do things our minds were not ready to process, and then everyone thinks, ‘how the hell did that happen?’”
De Villiers’ achievements in limited-overs cricket are well-documented. He holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs and has received multiple ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year awards. However, his contributions to Test cricket are equally significant. He was recognized as a member of the ICC Test Team of the Year on four occasions, serving as a testament to his skills in the longer format. Notably, in a thrilling chase against Australia in 2008, de Villiers displayed exceptional resolve, scoring an unbeaten 106 runs, which was crucial in South Africa’s successful pursuit of 414 runs.
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Kohli emphasized that de Villiers possessed an extraordinary adaptability to match situations. He recalled a memorable innings from 2015 in Delhi, where de Villiers faced 297 deliveries and scored just 43 runs in a valiant effort to save the Test match for South Africa. “You were always completely in tune with the needs of the team, which made you one of the hardest players to make plans for when we were on opposing sides in international cricket,” Kohli remarked. The ability to switch between aggressive strokes and patient defense defined de Villiers’ career, showcasing his understanding of the game’s nuances.
Beyond mere statistics, Kohli highlighted the psychological impact de Villiers had on both teammates and opponents alike. “A lot of players can have impressive numbers, but very few have an impact on the psyche of those watching. For me, that is the highest value you can have as a cricketer,” Kohli asserted, illustrating de Villiers’ rare ability to inspire and awe those who followed the game.
Virat Kohli Calls De Villiers the ‘Most Talented Cricketer’
Kohli also credited de Villiers with imparting valuable lessons about mental fortitude and the importance of maintaining a positive mindset. “Your drive to want to be the guy to win the game for your team was tremendous and something I learned a lot from,” Kohli said, underscoring how de Villiers’ approach to the game has influenced him. Kohli internalized the principle that past performances should not dictate present attitudes and that every match presents a fresh opportunity.
When de Villiers retired from international cricket, he left an indelible mark on the sport, finishing as South Africa’s second-highest run-scorer across formats, just behind fellow Hall of Fame inductee Jacques Kallis. His ability to score runs in all conditions, employing a wide array of shots against different types of bowlers, solidified his status as one of the most innovative and destructive batters in modern cricket.
Most Talented Cricketer’—A Hall of Fame Tribute
In conclusion, Kohli’s tribute to de Villiers encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a true cricketing great. AB de Villiers’ induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is not merely a recognition of his statistical achievements but also a celebration of the legacy he has left behind—a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. As Kohli noted, “You are in the Hall of Fame for the impact you have left on the game, and I don’t think there is anything more special for a cricketer than to have that honor.” This sentiment resonates deeply within the cricketing community, affirming de Villiers’ place as one of the game’s all-time greats.
