Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a heartfelt and moving letter, Indian cricket star Virat Kohli expressed his deep admiration and respect for AB de Villiers, celebrating his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame. The letter, shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC), paints a picture of de Villiers as not only a highly skilled cricketer but also a remarkable individual who left an indelible mark on the game.
Kohli opened his letter by acknowledging AB de Villiers as the most talented cricketer he had ever played with, highlighting the South African’s immense belief in his own abilities. According to Kohli, de Villiers’ confidence on the field set him apart from others, allowing him to execute seemingly impossible plays easily. Kohli recalled their time playing together for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League, recalling a particular moment during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016. Facing a tough bowling attack, including Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan, de Villiers delivered an incredible performance, defying expectations with a remarkable 94-meter six that left Kohli in awe.
Kohli emphasized that de Villiers possessed a rare combination of natural talent and unwavering belief, often leading to extraordinary moments on the field. While many cricketers struggle when facing difficulty, de Villiers thrived in such situations. Kohli’s admiration for de Villiers extended beyond his technical skills, acknowledging the South African’s ability to adapt his game to the needs of his team, a trait Kohli found inspirational.
One of the highlights of Kohli’s tribute was his recollection of the perfect coordination between the two players while batting. Without needing to communicate verbally, they consistently executed runs and played with an intuitive understanding of each other’s game. Kohli described this as one of their partnership’s most enjoyable and memorable aspects on the cricket field.
Kohli also touched on de Villiers’ legendary innings in the 2015 Delhi Test, where he faced 297 balls to score just 43 runs in an effort to save the match for South Africa. This showed that de Villiers was not only an aggressive player known for his flamboyant shots but also had the ability to adapt and defend when his team needed him most.
In his closing remarks, Kohli honoured de Villiers for his exceptional impact on the sport. He stated that while many cricketers accumulate impressive statistics, few are able to influence the psyche of those who watch them. According to Kohli, this made AB de Villiers a true legend deserving of his place in the ICC Hall of Fame.
De Villiers’ induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is a testament to his unmatched skill, dedication, and ability to inspire both teammates and fans alike. His contributions to cricket will be remembered for generations, and as Kohli’s tribute highlights, AB de Villiers will forever remain one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the game,
