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Tag: AB de Villiers

  • AB de Villiers to Make Cricket Comeback in World Championship of Legends

    AB de Villiers to Make Cricket Comeback in World Championship of Legends

    South African cricket icon AB de Villiers is preparing for a highly anticipated return to the sport, nearly four years after announcing his retirement. The 40-year-old will lead the Game Changers South Africa Champions in the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), a tournament that honours legendary cricketers. The event is expected to begin on July 18, 2025, offering fans a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

    De Villiers, who stepped away from professional cricket in 2021, remains one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Renowned for his incredible batting skills and adaptability, his comeback is set to revive memories of his outstanding performances throughout a career spanning nearly 20 years. He will join a talented squad featuring South African greats like Jacques Kallis, Herschelle Gibbs, Dale Steyn, and Imran Tahir, who played in the tournament’s first edition. His appointment as captain brings fresh enthusiasm and leadership to the team.

    Also Read- AB de Villiers to be Named RCB Head Coach – Reports

    “We take great pride in participating in the World Championship of Legends, which allows us to highlight the immense talent of our cricketing legends. Having AB de Villiers lead our side is a huge advantage, and his experience will be a great asset,” said Amandeep Singh, co-owner of South Africa Champions.

    During his illustrious international career, de Villiers scored 8,765 runs in 114 Test matches, 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs, and 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is, cementing his place among the game’s greatest players. His legacy extends beyond South African cricket, as he built a deep connection with Indian fans through his breathtaking performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), where he became a fan favourite.

    The WCL provides cricket lovers with an opportunity to see their retired heroes back in action. With de Villiers leading the charge, the Game Changers are set to be one of the most exciting teams in the tournament.

  • Not Sachin, Rohit or Dhoni- Kohli Calls ABD the Most Talented Cricketer

    Not Sachin, Rohit or Dhoni- Kohli Calls ABD the Most Talented Cricketer

    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.

    Also Read- Virat Kohli Sets Record as Fastest Player to Reach 27,000 Runs in International Cricket

    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.

  • 5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    There are some records of cricket which are unbroken for the last many years. The question in the minds of fans is whether these records will ever be broken. It is not easy for today’s modern cricketers to break them. Be it the 100 international centuries of God of Cricket Sachin Tendulkar or Brian Lara’s record of 400 runs in an innings. In this article, we will tell you about those records, which are called the great records of the cricket world. It is very difficult for any batter or bowler to break these records. Of course, Virat Kohli is getting closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 international centuries but he still has a long way to go for this milestone.

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    1st- Rohit Sharma’s 264 Runs in Single ODI Innings

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma has scored 3 double centuries in ODI International cricket. Rohit holds the world record for playing an innings of 264 runs in ODI International cricket. This unique record of Rohit does not seem to be broken in the near future. Rohit, famous as Hitman in world cricket, made this record against Sri Lanka.

    Rohit Sharma opened the fourth ODI of the series against Sri Lanka at the historic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on 13 November 2014 and played an innings of 264 runs which included 33 fours and 9 sixes. Rohit scored this score in 173 balls. He completed 200 runs in 151 balls while scoring the first hundred runs in 100 balls. He reached the 150 mark in 125 balls while he took 151 balls to score a double century.

    2nd- Sachin Tendulkar’s 100 International Centuries

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    The legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, known as the God of Cricket, has set many records in his 24-year international cricket career but his record of 100 centuries in international cricket is still unbroken. It is not easy to break this record of Sachin.

    Although Virat Kohli has definitely scored 76 centuries in international cricket, it is not easy for Kohli to break this record of Tendulkar. Sachin has scored 51 centuries in 200 Test matches while he has 49 centuries in ODIs. Sachin has a record of 18426 runs in ODI international cricket which is a world record.

    3rd- Fastest ODI Hundred by AB de Villiers

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    South Africa’s legendary batter AB de Villiers, known as Mr. 360 degree, holds the world record of scoring a century in 31 balls in ODIs, which is almost impossible to break. De Villiers made this record in 2015 against Windies in Johannesburg. He scored 149 runs in 44 balls. This is the fastest century in One Day International cricket.

    Also Read: 3 bowlers who did not care about the records and retired from Test cricket

    4th- Muttiah Muralitharan’s 1300 International Wickets

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    The great spinner of Sri Lanka, Muttiah Muralitharan, made many bowling records and broke many in his cricket career. It is said about Murali that he had the ability to spin the ball even on glass. Muralitharan has more than 1300 wickets in international cricket, which is a world record.

    Muralitharan, who instilled fear in the hearts of the world’s great batsmen with his spin bowling in his era, took the highest number of 800 wickets in 133 Test matches, while he has 534 wickets in 350 ODIs. He took 13 wickets in 12 T20 matches. In this way, he has 1347 international wickets to his name.

    5th- Brian Lara’s 400 Runs in a Single Test Innings

    5 Unbreakable Records in Cricket History

    West Indies’ legendary cricketer Brian Lara is one of the best batsmen of modern cricket. Once Lara settled down at the crease, it was difficult for the bowlers to get him out. Former Windies left-hand batsman Lara holds a world record in Test cricket which is not easy for today’s batsmen to break.

    Brian Lara played an innings of 400 runs against England in St. John’s in 2004. During this, he broke the record of 380 runs of Australian legendary opener Matthew Hayden, but this world record of Lara will hardly be broken.

  • AB de Villiers Picks His Favourite in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final

    AB de Villiers Picks His Favourite in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final

    The T20 World Cup final will be played between India and the South African team. While the Indian team will be playing their third T20 World Cup final, this will be the first time for the South African team. This has boosted the morale of the South African team. Former stalwart AB de Villiers has also expressed his happiness at the South African team reaching the final and hopes that this time our team will win the T20 World Cup. AB has shared story videos on social media, expressing his desire.

    AB de Villiers Picks His Favourite in the T20 World Cup 2024 Final

    AB de Villiers Shared his Prediction on Instagram

    AB said, “The South African team has reached the final of the T20 World Cup. For the players, this is nothing less than a miracle. South African players have performed brilliantly. They have made every South African player proud. Now we are going to play the final. We have your full support, and I am confident that our team will win the title. We will face India in the final. We are fully behind you. We believe that this time we will win the title.”

    AB further said that it’s Dale Steyn’s birthday. He hopes that by winning the title, they can give him a special gift. It should be noted that by defeating Afghanistan, the South African team has reached the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time. Now, on June 29th, the final of the T20 World Cup will be played between India and South Africa.

    Also read: IND vs SA T20 World Cup 2024 Final: How many times have India and South Africa clashed in T20, Must See These Figures before the Final Match

    The final of the T20 World Cup between India and South Africa will be played in Barbados. It should be noted that while a reserve day was scheduled for the first semi-final match, no reserve day was allocated for the second semi-final. Now, for the final match, a reserve day has been scheduled. If rain affects the match on the scheduled day, it will be played the next day. Similarly, if the match cannot be played the next day either, then the ICC will declare the winner jointly.

  • Virat Kohli Wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Honour for 4th Time Surpassing AB de Villiers Record

    Virat Kohli Wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Honour for 4th Time Surpassing AB de Villiers Record

    In a resounding acknowledgment of his stellar performance in the cricketing arena, former Indian captain Virat Kohli secured the prestigious ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year award for the remarkable year 2023. The acknowledgment comes after a phenomenal return to form, marked by a series of outstanding centuries and influential contributions throughout the year.

    Virat Kohli Wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Honour for 4th Time Surpassing AB de Villiers Record

    Kohli, who had a memorable 2023, not only regained his prolific form but also emerged as the top-scorer in the ICC ODI World Cup, earning the Player of the Tournament accolade. The veteran batsman triumphed over his Indian counterparts Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami to secure this coveted award for an impressive fourth time.

    The World Cup proved to be a defining moment for Kohli, where he etched his name in history by amassing the highest-ever runs in a single edition of the tournament, tallying an impressive 765 runs. In a closely contested race, Kohli outshone Gill, who amassed 1584 runs in 29 ODI matches in 2023, and pacer Shami, who scalped 43 wickets in just 19 matches, with 24 of them coming in the World Cup.

    Kohli’s contribution in ODIs throughout the year was exceptional, amassing 1377 runs in 27 matches. His remarkable tally included six centuries and eight fifties, with three of those centuries achieved in the high-stakes ICC ODI World Cup. Notably, Kohli’s 50th ODI century was a standout moment, achieved during the semi-final clash against New Zealand in Mumbai.

    Also Read: Not Ashwin, Head or Root, But This Australian Clinches ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2023

    This marked the eighth occasion that Kohli crossed the 1000-run mark in a calendar year, highlighting his consistency and unwavering commitment to excellence. His memorable knocks extended beyond ODIs, making significant contributions in Test cricket, notably a crucial 46 in the Cape Town Test that India won to level the series against South Africa.

    However, amid his cricketing successes, Kohli faced personal challenges, leading to his withdrawal from the first two Tests against England. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Kohli’s decision, emphasizing the cricketer’s need to address personal situations that demanded his undivided attention. In a supportive statement, the BCCI urged fans and the media to respect Kohli’s privacy during this period.

    As Kohli navigates personal matters, the cricketing world commends his extraordinary achievements on the field, and the BCCI expresses confidence in the remaining squad’s abilities to deliver commendable performances in the Test series. Kohli’s legacy as a cricketing icon continues, and his resilience remains an inspiration to fans and fellow players alike.

    Virat Kohli Wins ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year Honour for 4th Time Surpassing AB de Villiers Record

    In the wake of Kohli’s absence from the Test series, Rajat Patidar has been named as his replacement. However, Patidar did not find a spot in the playing XI for the first Test in Hyderabad, leaving the cricketing community intrigued about the team’s lineup and performance in the upcoming matches.

  • MS Dhoni Will Play Three More IPL Seasons

    MS Dhoni Will Play Three More IPL Seasons

    The mini-auction for IPL 2024 is set to take place on December 19. Ahead of this, AB de Villiers expressed his delight upon seeing MS Dhoni’s name in the retention list for Chennai Super Kings (CSK). De Villiers mentioned that during IPL 2023, fans speculated it might be Dhoni’s final season, but the captain surprised everyone. De Villiers stated that predicting Dhoni’s next move is never easy.

    Regarding Dhoni’s availability, De Villiers shared on his YouTube channel, “I am quite happy to see his name in the retention list. There were many discussions last season about whether it would be his last season. He is gearing up for another IPL season in 2024. It’s always surprising with him. Maybe he’ll play three more seasons, who knows! But it feels good to see his name among the retained players for CSK.”

    Despite knee troubles, MS Dhoni played all matches for CSK in 2023. Under his captaincy, Chennai defeated Gujarat Titans in the final, securing their fifth IPL title. After the tournament, Dhoni underwent successful knee surgery, and he is set to lead the team in the upcoming season.

    AB de Villiers is hopeful that CSK will aim to acquire explosive batsman Shahrukh Khan in the IPL 2024 auction. The South African veteran believes that the release of players before the auction has often acted as a springboard for their careers with CSK. De Villiers expressed confidence that some teams would be eager to buy Shahrukh Khan.

    Also read: IPL 2024 Auction Player Registration Last Date Today: Starc, Head Register Their Names

    Punjab Kings released Tamil Nadu batsman Shahrukh Khan ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction. De Villiers praised Shahrukh’s ability to hit the ball a long way and highlighted CSK’s unique approach to selecting players released by other teams. De Villiers stated, “He (Shahrukh Khan) is a strong player and has the ability to hit the ball a long way. This is where CSK is different. They are very good at picking released players. Players who are forgotten suddenly find themselves playing in a yellow jersey and making significant contributions, either with the bat or by taking wickets.”

    Chennai released eight players from their squad before the auction, and with a remaining purse of ₹31.4 crores, they will participate in the IPL auction.

  • “Dhoni did not win the World Cup, Ben Stokes did not..” AB de Villiers Raises Eyebrows

    “Dhoni did not win the World Cup, Ben Stokes did not..” AB de Villiers Raises Eyebrows

    Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers has stressed the importance of a strong team over relying solely on a phenomenal captain or individual talent when it comes to clinching the Cricket World Cup 2023 title. De Villiers pointed out that the victories in 2011 and 2019 were attributed not just to MS Dhoni or Ben Stokes but to the collective efforts of the Indian and English cricket teams. The cricket legend also expressed his disapproval of the prevailing culture among cricket fans, where individual achievements are glorified at the expense of team contributions.

    “Cricket is a team game, it’s not a player lifting the World Cup. I see that way too often on social platforms. MS Dhoni did not win the World Cup, India won the World Cup, so keep that in mind. Don’t forget that. Ben Stokes did not lift the trophy in Lord’s back in 2019, it was team England,” AB de Villiers mentioned on his YouTube channel.

    "Dhoni did not win the World Cup, Ben Stokes did not.." AB de Villiers Raises Eyebrows

    Also read: EXCLUSIVE – Tim Southee Fully Fit; Set to Play for New Zealand in ICC World Cup 2023

    Previously, he had showered compliments on his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate Mohammed Siraj, commending the fast bowler for delivering a stellar performance that led his team to secure the Asia Cup 2023 championship.

    “I think what stands out with him is his attitude, and we’ve spoken about this before on this series. Your attitude can really uplift you if you never give up. And if you keep trying and you make your attitude, catch you with your teammates, the people want you there. The fans want you there, and that’s where you start doing some brilliant things and special things on the park. And Mohammad Siraj is one of those players.”

    “He always just keeps coming back. He’s always in your face and I’ve mentioned this before. The bowlers who are respected the most are the guys that never gave up. They would always compete for every single ball, be in your face. And that’s what Siraj does,” De Villiers added on his YouTube channel.

  • No Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma: 5 Highest Run-getters in World Cup History featuring AB de Villiers

    No Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma: 5 Highest Run-getters in World Cup History featuring AB de Villiers

    As the Asia Cup concludes on September 17, 2023, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will eagerly shift their focus to the impending World Cup, with a particular spotlight on Indian fans. Speaking of the World Cup, would you like to explore the illustrious career of the top five highest run-scorers in the tournament’s history? Spoiler Alert: The leading run-scorer happens to be an Indian cricket icon, often referred to as the God of cricket. Let’s delve into this list now!

    Number 5: AB De Villiers
    Claiming the fifth spot is AB de Villiers, renowned by the moniker “Mr. 360.” De Villiers represented South Africa, embarking on his World Cup journey in 2007, concluding it in 2015. Over this nine-year period, Mr. 360 participated in more than 23 matches, amassing a total of 1207 runs. De Villiers’ highest individual score in the World Cup stands at 162 runs. Throughout his remarkable World Cup career, spanning nearly a decade, he notched up 4 centuries and 6 half-centuries.

    Number 4: BC Lara
    In fourth place stands Brian Charles Lara, often referred to as BC Lara. Lara, a West Indies cricket legend, graced the World Cup stage from 1992 to 2007, marking a 16-year involvement. During his enduring tenure in the World Cup, Lara amassed an impressive tally of 1225 runs in 34 matches. He registered 2 centuries and 7 half-centuries, with his highest score being 116 runs.

    Number 3: KC Sangakkara
    Securing the third position is none other than the globally celebrated Sri Lankan cricketer, Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara. Sangakkara embarked on his World Cup journey in 2003, concluding it in 2015, dedicating 13 years to representing Sri Lanka in this prestigious tournament. Over this extensive 13-year span, Sangakkara compiled an impressive total of 1532 runs across 37 matches. His highest individual score was 124 runs, and he notched up 5 centuries and 7 half-centuries during his World Cup career.

    Number 2: RT Ponting
    The name RT Ponting is synonymous with cricket, known and admired by fans across generations, be it 90s kids or GenZ enthusiasts. Ponting’s World Cup career spanned from 1996 to 2011, representing the Australian team for six years. Throughout this period, he achieved the milestone of 5 centuries and 6 half-centuries. Ponting holds the second position with a remarkable total of 1743 runs accumulated in 46 matches.

    Number 1: Sachin Tendulkar
    At the summit of this prestigious list reigns the legendary, often hailed as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), and affectionately known as the God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. Sachin graced the World Cup stage representing Team India from 1992 to 2011.

    Despite a comparatively shorter World Cup career spanning just six years, Sachin’s records remain unparalleled. The cricketing maestro amassed an astounding 2278 runs in a mere 45 matches. Sachin’s dominance is underscored by his record of 6 centuries and 15 half-centuries in World Cup history, with his highest individual score standing at 152 runs. Sachin’s impact on the game remains unmatched, and his legacy is etched in the annals of cricket history.

  • Virat, Babar or Williamson will score the most runs in World Cup- South African legend predicts

    Virat, Babar or Williamson will score the most runs in World Cup- South African legend predicts

    Former South African captain and cricketing icon, AB de Villiers, recently shared his predictions for the top run-scorers in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India. In a video posted on his official YouTube channel, the 39-year-old legend highlighted that the performance and form of the players leading into the tournament would play a significant role in determining the top run-getter.

    De Villiers mentioned several potential contenders for this title, stating, “It’s a tough one. I am not really sure. There are a lot of guys that can do it. We look at guys who are in form – Babar, Kane Williamson. Obviously, Virat will be up there somewhere along the line. Virat absolutely loves 50-over cricket. His name will be up there for sure.”

    It’s worth noting that in the 2019 World Cup, Indian opener Rohit Sharma was the leading run-scorer, accumulating a remarkable 648 runs in nine matches with an average of 81, which included five centuries.

    Also read: TRK vs MUS Dream11 Prediction Today’s Match, Probable Playing XI, Pitch Report, Top Fantasy Picks, Weather Report, Predicted Winner for today’s match, ECS Bulgaria T10

    As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 draws nearer, cricket fans worldwide are eagerly preparing for an exciting event scheduled to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

    The anticipation is building for a spectacular showdown as the tournament is scheduled to kick off with a highly anticipated match between England and New Zealand at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This opening game is expected to evoke memories of the 2019 final and is poised to deliver a captivating start to this cricketing spectacle.

  • AB de Villiers Disappointed With Chahal’s Exclusion from Asia Cup 2023 Squad

    AB de Villiers Disappointed With Chahal’s Exclusion from Asia Cup 2023 Squad

    India’s Asia Cup squad has unveiled a few surprises, notably including Tilak Varma for the first time in the 50-over format. However, the exclusion of Yuzvendra Chahal from the 18-player roster has sparked considerable discussion. Particularly intriguing is the absence of any leg-spinner in the squad, a point that has captured attention. While numerous former Indian cricketers have expressed their bewilderment over Chahal’s omission, his ex-Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers has confessed to feeling ‘disappointed’ by the absence of the spinner’s name from India’s squad.

    Chahal has been a crucial figure in India’s white-ball squads throughout the years. However, despite his contributions, he has yet to participate in an ICC event for the national team. If the selection for the Asia Cup 2023 squad serves as an indicator, Chahal’s prospects for inclusion in India’s ODI World Cup squad also appear uncertain.

    Also read: Ashwin IN, Kuldeep Yadav OUT of India’s ODI World Cup 2023 Squad Selected by MSK Prasad

    Chahal’s exclusion seems to send a clear signal from the selectors about their preferred choices. AB de Villiers expressed his disappointment with the decision, emphasizing the value of having Yuzi as a skilled leg-spinning option in the team. “Chahal has been dropped, selectors making their intentions clear about who they will be picking. It’s a bit of a disappointing drop for me, Yuzi is always very handy and it’s great to have the leg-spinning option in your team. We know how skilful he is,” De Villiers mentioned in a video on his YouTube channel.

    In terms of spinners, the Indian squad opted for the trio of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav for the Asia Cup. This strategic move appears aimed at bolstering the team’s batting depth.

    The composition of India’s Asia Cup Squad includes: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. Additionally, Sanju Samson has been named as the stand-by player.