Table of Contents
On Tuesday (October 16), India’s cricket superstar Virat Kohli paid tribute to his close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate, AB de Villiers, following the latter’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.
AB de Villiers inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
South African cricket legend De Villiers has been honored with induction into the ICC Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024, joining esteemed cricketers Sir Alastair Cook and Neetu David. De Villiers, affectionately known as “Mr. 360,” enjoyed a stellar 14-year international career, amassing over 20,000 runs across all formats and setting records for the fastest fifty, century, and 150 in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His remarkable ability to adapt to any situation and perform under pressure made him one of the most destructive batters in cricket history.
Celebrated for his extraordinary talent, De Villiers has left a significant impact on the game, earning admiration from players and fans alike. His contributions to the sport are not only recognized through his records but also through the lasting influence he has had on the players who followed in his footsteps. The induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his exceptional career and the legacy he has created in the cricketing world.
The unique bond between two cricketing giants: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers
Kohli and De Villiers have cultivated a profound friendship rooted in shared experiences, mutual respect, and an unwavering passion for the game. In his tribute for the ICC, Kohli expressed his deep admiration for De Villiers through a heartfelt open letter – a cherished tradition for Hall of Fame inductees. This personal note not only reflects their close bond but also highlights the incredible impact De Villiers has had on Kohli’s career and the cricketing community as a whole, emphasizing the respect and admiration that transcends their nationalities.
Also READ: AB de Villiers spills beans on the speculations of Rohit Sharma moving to RCB ahead of IPL 2025
Kohli’s open letter: A personal celebration of excellence
In his poignant open letter, Kohli addressed de Villiers directly, stating:
“To AB, it is an honour to be selected to write these words as you enter the ICC Hall of Fame. 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.”
He went on to highlight de Villiers’ extraordinary talent, exclaiming,
“People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one.”
- Highlighting De Villiers’ Unmatched Confidence on the Field
Kohli reflected on the unique confidence de Villiers exuded in his game, emphasizing,
“But what truly stood out to me was your belief in that ability. 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.”
- Recalling Memorable Matches: A Glimpse into Their Partnership
Kohli recounted a defining moment from their time together during a thrilling match in 2016, where de Villiers demonstrated his extraordinary skill and instinct:
“There is no better example in my mind than when we were batting together for RCB in Kolkata in 2016. We were chasing 184 against an attack including Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan. You came in to join me with around 70 on the board and Narine was bowling. You played and missed a couple and told me during a timeout that you weren’t picking him too well.”
Kohli added:
“I felt I was, so I remember telling you to give me the strike and I would try and hit boundaries off him. In the first over Narine bowled after the timeout, I was ready at the non-striker’s end thinking you were definitely giving me a single. So, imagine my surprise when you back away to the leg side, Sunil follows you, and you slog swept him over square leg for a 94-metre six!”
Kohli concluded this anecdote with:
“I don’t know what happened in the timeout to give you the belief you could do that. I just remember saying to you, ‘You’re a freak!'”
- An Unspoken Understanding: Running Between Wickets
Kohli praised their unspoken understanding during matches, particularly their seamless running between the wickets:
“When we ran between the wickets, for example, we never called for runs. It’s a very difficult thing to explain practically, but there is a feeling to it. There was a complete understanding of where the ball was going, and nothing needed to be said. Fielders were always under pressure when we were batting. I don’t ever remember missing a two with you or being in a position to be run out,” This exemplified the synergy they shared as teammates.
- Emphasizing the Champion Mindset: Adapting to Match Situations
Kohli commended de Villiers’ adaptability and mental fortitude, sharing a specific Test match anecdote that illustrated his unwavering focus and dedication:
Through my time playing with and against you, you always had a very clear understanding of how the game should be played, and you never really veered from that, regardless of whether you were doing well or not. 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 highlighted how de Villiers’ mindset was central to his success.
- Legacy of excellence: A masterful Test knock against India
Kohli highlighted de Villiers’ ability to adapt to different match situations, mentioning a Test match in Delhi in 2015 where de Villiers faced 297 balls for 43 runs:
“There must have been a temptation at some stage to think, ‘I’ve faced 200 balls, I need to hit a boundary.’ But once you locked yourself into what the situation required, you just kept going on and on.”
He concluded with:
“It all comes back to that belief in your ability. It wasn’t just about the crazy, extravagant shots. You had the ability to defend the ball and had belief in that defence. To play that way because South Africa needed you to do so is a classic example of the team player you were.”
- The Essence of De Villiers’ Game: More Than Just Statistics
Kohli poignantly remarked that de Villiers’ impact on cricket transcended mere statistics, stating:
“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, and that is what makes you so special.”
- Concluding with a Celebration of Legacy: The Hall of Fame Induction
Kohli, in the end, celebrated de Villiers’ well-deserved induction into the Hall of Fame, expressing heartfelt congratulations:
“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 honour. Congratulations, biscotti. You are one of the greatest players to ever play the game.”
