After Ab de Villiers' induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, close friend and former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate Virat Kohli writes a heartfelt letter praising his "freakish" talent. Kohli recalls a match in 2016 when de Villiers' unconventional slogging against Sunil Narine left him in awe and speaks of his ability to perform under pressure in red ball cricket. Despite being known for his exploits in limited overs cricket, de Villiers has also shown his grit and determination in saving Test matches for South Africa.
Virat Kohli Pens Heartfelt Tribute to AB de Villiers After ICC Hall of Fame Induction
Following AB de Villiers' induction into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame, his Indian Premier League (IPL) teammate and close friend, Virat Kohli, has penned a heartfelt letter expressing his admiration for the South African legend.
Kohli's Letter
In his letter, Kohli lauded de Villiers' exceptional talent, recalling a memorable match in 2016 when he witnessed firsthand the batter's unorthodox yet brilliant counterattack against West Indies spinner Sunil Narine. Kohli also highlighted de Villiers' ability to perform under pressure in Test cricket, despite his reputation as a limited-overs specialist.
"I have had the privilege of witnessing some of his most extraordinary performances up close, and it has been an honor to share the dressing room with such a gifted player," wrote Kohli. "His ability to defy the laws of physics with the bat is truly freakish."
Kohli went on to describe de Villiers' unyielding determination and his ability to save Test matches for South Africa. He concluded his letter by expressing his belief that de Villiers' legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.
Background
AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket in May 2018. During his career, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in the history of the game. Known for his aggressive style and innovative shots, he set numerous batting records and won several individual accolades.
De Villiers was a key member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL team, where he played alongside Kohli from 2011 to 2021. The duo formed a formidable partnership and helped RCB reach multiple IPL finals.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the ICC Hall of Fame? The ICC Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the greatest players in the history of cricket who have made significant contributions to the sport.
2. What criteria are used to induct players into the ICC Hall of Fame? Players are eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame at least five years after their international retirement. They must have demonstrated exceptional skill, achieved outstanding results, and contributed to the growth of the game.
3. How many players have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame? As of September 2023, there are 97 players inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, including AB de Villiers.
4. Why is AB de Villiers considered one of the greatest batters ever? De Villiers possessed a unique blend of power, elegance, and innovation. He was known for his remarkable ability to hit the ball to all parts of the ground with precision and ease.
5. What is Virat Kohli's relationship with AB de Villiers? Kohli and de Villiers were teammates at RCB for over a decade. They developed a close friendship and became known for their mutual respect and admiration for each other's exceptional talent.
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