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The world of cricket witnessed a touching tribute as Indian superstar Virat Kohli showered praise on AB de Villiers, the Proteas legend, upon his induction into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. Kohli, a close friend and teammate of de Villiers, penned an open letter expressing his admiration for the 'absolute No. 1' cricketer he has had the privilege of sharing the field with.
The Class of 2024, which welcomed de Villiers into the Hall of Fame, also included notable figures such as Sir Alastair Cook and Indian legend Neetu David. Kohli's letter highlighted de Villiers' unique abilities and the lasting impact he has made on the sport. He emphasizes de Villiers' extraordinary talent, describing him as 'the most talented cricketer I have played with.' However, what truly sets de Villiers apart, according to Kohli, is his unwavering belief in his own capabilities. This unwavering confidence allows him to execute audacious plays and achieve extraordinary feats on the field.
Kohli illustrates this point with a specific anecdote from their time together playing for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). During a chase against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2016, de Villiers joined Kohli when the team was struggling to reach the target. Despite initially struggling against Sunil Narine's bowling, de Villiers remarkably managed to hit a massive six off Narine in the next over, a feat that surprised even Kohli himself. This incident epitomizes de Villiers' unwavering belief in himself and his ability to defy expectations.
Beyond his exceptional skills, Kohli praises de Villiers' unwavering focus on the team's needs and his dedication to winning. He acknowledges that de Villiers was always acutely aware of the team's situation and consistently rose to the occasion in crucial moments. Kohli's admiration extends to de Villiers' dedication to always pushing himself and never settling for mediocrity. He emphasizes de Villiers' positive approach to the game, his willingness to take on challenges, and his unwavering commitment to finding a way to win. Kohli acknowledges the impact de Villiers has had on his own approach to the game, learning valuable lessons about staying positive, focusing on the present, and always striving to contribute to the team's success.
In closing, Kohli concludes by recognizing the lasting impact de Villiers has left on the sport, a legacy that has earned him a place in the ICC Hall of Fame. The letter ends with a heartfelt congratulation to de Villiers, acknowledging him as one of the greatest players to ever grace the field.
The bond between Kohli and de Villiers transcends national boundaries, proving that the shared love for the game can forge strong friendships between players from different backgrounds. Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of respect, admiration, and shared passion in shaping lasting connections within the world of sports.
Source: 'You're a freak': Virat Kohli hails 'absolute No.1' AB de Villiers on induction in ICC Hall of Fame