South Africa's AB de Villiers plays a shot during the World T20 cricket tournament match between Afghanistan and South Africa at The Wankhede Cricket Stadium in Mumbai on March 20, 2016. (Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP)
Virat Kohli has showered his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate and Proteas legend AB de Villiers with praise after the South African was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.
The 40-year-old De Villiers was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside former England captain Alastair Cook.
Other South Africans who have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame include Jacques Kallis, Barry Richards, Graeme Pollock, Aubrey Faulkner, Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock.
Mr 360 inducted in the ICC Hall of Fame 🎖
— ICC (@ICC) October 16, 2024
Saluting the impeccable brilliance of AB de Villiers 👊 pic.twitter.com/vhJ9Z6GYzG
De Villiers is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and currently holds the record for the fastest-men’s ODI century.
De Villiers, who also captained the Proteas in all three formats of the game, played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20s games for South Africa.
Following his induction, De Villiers said it was a huge honour to be inducted into the hall of fame.
“It is a tremendous honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, joining a select group of cricketers to be recognised in this way.
“Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game… and it’s true that, whether you are a batter taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you — and only you — are responsible for what happens.
“And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many teammates, coaches and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team — and, indeed in franchise cricket — all around the world," de Villiers said.
Meanwhile Indian cricket Kohli heartfelt letter to De Villiers and hailed him as one the greatest players he has played with.
"You are thoroughly deserving of your place – after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique.
"People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one,“ said Kohli .
IOL Sport
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