South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has been inducted into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame, honoring his exceptional contribution to the sport. Known as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the ground, de Villiers has left a lasting impact on cricket. He scored more than 20,000 international runs across all formats and was admired for his innovative and destructive batting style. His inclusion in the Hall of Fame celebrates not only his talent but also his influence on the game.
Following this announcement, Virat Kohli wrote a heartfelt letter to de Villiers, praising his unique qualities and impact on cricket. Kohli, who played alongside de Villiers for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), described him as the most talented cricketer he had ever shared a field with. Kohli highlighted de Villiers’ incredible self-belief, stating that his confidence in executing shots, no matter how difficult, set him apart from others. Kohli fondly recalled how de Villiers could always surprise everyone with his remarkable skills.
One of the stories Kohli shared was from a 2016 RCB match against Kolkata Knight Riders, where they were chasing 184. Despite initially struggling against Sunil Narine, de Villiers surprised everyone by hitting a 94-metre six off a delivery he wasn’t picking well. Kohli, standing at the non-striker’s end, was amazed by de Villiers’ ability to pull off such a shot, calling him a “freak” in admiration. This moment highlighted de Villiers’ confidence and flair for doing the unexpected.
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Kohli also reflected on their strong partnership, especially how they understood each other perfectly while running between the wickets. They never needed to call for runs, as they instinctively knew what the other would do. Kohli credited de Villiers for always putting pressure on the fielders and creating opportunities for their team. This understanding was a key element of their success at RCB.
While known for his attacking style, de Villiers was also capable of adapting to different situations, as Kohli pointed out. He recalled a Test match in 2015 where de Villiers showed great patience by facing 297 balls to score just 43 runs, helping South Africa save the match. This ability to adjust his game according to the team’s needs was a defining characteristic of de Villiers, making him a complete team player.
De Villiers’ records speak for themselves. He holds the record for the fastest-ever men’s ODI century and was named ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year multiple times. He also excelled in Test cricket, finishing his career with over 8,000 runs at an average of more than 50. His fielding skills further solidified his legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation.
After retiring from international cricket in 2018, de Villiers’ legacy continues to inspire cricketers worldwide. His inclusion in the ICC Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his unique contribution to the sport, both as a player and a game-changer.