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In a delightful and candid rapid-fire segment during a recent interview with presenter Shefali Bagga, former South African cricketing sensation AB de Villiers offered humorous and insightful associations between common cricketing terms and the players who immediately came to his mind. Currently leading the South Africa Champions in the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 in England, de Villiers provided quick, unrehearsed responses that offered a glimpse into his personal perceptions of various cricketers, showcasing his wit and camaraderie with former teammates and rivals.
King, run machine and the golden arm: AB de Villiers’s rapid-fire insights
When prompted with the word ‘King,’ De Villiers playfully responded with ‘Kallis,’ an affectionate nod to his former South African teammate Jacques Kallis, often regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the game, perhaps hinting at a playful rivalry or respect within the South African dressing room. For ‘Run Machine,’ de Villiers instantly named Virat Kohli, reflecting their deep friendship and mutual admiration forged over years of playing together for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and recognizing Kohli’s unparalleled consistency in accumulating runs across formats.
The term ‘Mr. Consistent’ brought Steve Smith to de Villiers’ mind, acknowledging the Australian’s extraordinary consistency and unique batting style. When ‘Speed’ was mentioned, he promptly identified Shoaib Akhtar, the Pakistan’s ‘Rawalpindi Express,’ known for his blistering pace. His former teammate, Morne Morkel, was picked as the ‘Funniest,’ highlighting a personal bond and shared locker-room humor. For the player ‘always late,’ De Villiers jokingly pointed to Kagiso Rabada, another South African fast bowler, suggesting a lighthearted observation of his punctuality. And in a moment of pure self-confidence and humor, when asked about ‘Golden Arm,’ De Villiers unequivocally chose himself, a playful self-acknowledgment of his less-frequent, but sometimes crucial, bowling contributions.
@ABdeVilliers17 faces the heat in a high-speed, rapid-fire round, quick questions, quicker answers, no time to think! 🔥#WCL2025 👉 18th July to 2nd August, Every day Live on Star Sports Network pic.twitter.com/9q8YpfM1Mr
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 25, 2025
Also READ: No Sachin Tendulkar! AB de Villiers stuns fans with his all-time World XI
GOAT, sweetest player and the best partnership: Personal reflections and camaraderie by De Villiers
The ‘Greatest Of All Time’ (GOAT) prompted De Villiers to once again name Kallis, reinforcing his immense respect for the South African legend’s all-around prowess and impact on the game. When asked about the ‘sweetest’ cricketer, de Villiers thoughtfully chose Brett Lee, the former Australian fast bowler, likely referring to Lee’s genial personality and sportsmanlike conduct both on and off the field.
The interviewer then delved into a personal aspect, asking about his ‘best partnership,’ to which De Villiers, without hesitation, responded, ‘Virat Kohli, definitely.’ This response powerfully underscores the incredible bond and on-field chemistry they shared while batting together, producing numerous record-breaking stands and thrilling performances for RCB, a partnership that is legendary in T20 cricket. The interview provided a rare and enjoyable insight into de Villiers’ mind, revealing his appreciation for specific qualities in his contemporaries and former teammates, all delivered with his characteristic charm and good humor.
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