In an emotional open letter shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC), Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli extends his heartfelt congratulations to South African cricket star AB de Villiers on his induction into the prestigious ICC Hall of Fame. Kohli’s letter offers an intimate glimpse into their camaraderie on and off the field, underscoring de Villiers’ remarkable influence on the game.
As the cricketing fraternity celebrates de Villiers’ outstanding career, Kohli’s letter stands out as a genuine tribute to a player he holds in high regard. Kohli begins by expressing his honor in penning these words for de Villiers, emphasizing that the Hall of Fame’s inclusion is a fitting recognition of his exceptional contributions to cricket. For Kohli, de Villiers’ induction is not merely a testament to statistical achievements but to the unique and lasting impact he’s had on the sport itself.
Kohli lauds de Villiers’ extraordinary talent, labeling him as the most skilled cricketer he has shared a pitch with. However, he quickly highlights that de Villiers’ greatness transcends mere talent. What set him apart was his unwavering belief in his abilities—a belief so profound that it often seemed he could accomplish the impossible on the cricket field. This self-confidence made de Villiers an extraordinary and unforgettable figure in cricketing history.
Taking a trip down memory lane, Kohli recounts a particularly thrilling match from 2016, when both cricketers donned the Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey. Chasing a formidable target against an intimidating bowling attack, de Villiers stunned everyone, including Kohli, when he executed a seemingly impossible 94-meter six off Sunil Narine—a bowler he admitted struggling to read just moments before the daring shot. For Kohli, this was a defining moment that exemplified de Villiers’ astonishing flair and unyielding confidence—qualities that left even seasoned opponents and teammates in awe.
The letter moves beyond just cricketing feats, delving into their understanding on the field.
. Kohli fondly remembers their seamless communication during matches. Their partnership was marked by an innate synchronization that required no verbal exchanges—a rarity in sports, making their collaborations even more special and effective.
Kohli appreciates de Villiers not just as a cricket player but as a strategic mind who never deviated from his principles, irrespective of the game’s circumstances. His cricketing philosophy centered on team success over personal glory, making him a vital player who regularly pulled his team out of precarious situations. This selfless mentality, Kohli acknowledges, taught him crucial lessons about leadership and the importance of contributing to team objectives over individual accolades.
Reflecting on de Villiers’ adaptability, Kohli highlights a memorable Test match in 2015, where de Villiers showcased his defensive prowess by facing 297 balls for 43 runs to help save the game for South Africa. This performance stood out as a testament to his versatility and strategic mindset—far from being just an aggressive batsman, de Villiers successfully played to the situation’s demands with patience and resilience.
The letter is a poignant reminder of the psychological impact certain players have on fans and fellow players. Kohli asserts that beyond statistics, what truly immortalizes a cricketer is their influence on the spectators’ psyche and the game’s narrative—an influence that de Villiers exuded throughout his career.
Concluding the letter, Kohli affectionately refers to de Villiers as “biscotti,” a testament to their close friendship. He congratulates de Villiers on this monumental achievement, celebrating him as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game. For Kohli, de Villiers’ induction into the ICC Hall of Fame is not only well-deserved but marks a place in history created by a player whose charisma, talent, and belief left an indelible impact on cricket.
As the cricketing world commemorates AB de Villiers’ incredible journey, Virat Kohli’s tribute stands as an enduring testament to their friendship, mutual respect, and the transformative effect de Villiers has had on cricket at large.