Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: South African cricket legend AB de Villiers warmly responded to Virat Kohli’s congratulatory letter on the former’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), de Villiers addressed Kohli with an affectionate message, writing: “Thank you for the kind words, my biscuit! And for reminding me of those amazing moments we’ve shared, that I’ll never forget!”
Kohli, who shares a deep bond with de Villiers both on and off the field, had penned an emotional tribute to his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate.
In his letter, the Indian superstar hailed de Villiers as the “absolute number one” and commended his unwavering belief in his ability.
Kohli reflected on their unforgettable partnership at RCB, particularly a thrilling match in 2016 against Kolkata Knight Riders, when de Villiers stunned everyone by smashing a 94-metre six off Sunil Narine, despite struggling to pick his deliveries moments earlier.
“People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one,” Kohli wrote in his letter, underlining de Villiers’s ability to rise in tough situations.
Kohli praised the South African icon’s mindset, further implying that de Villiers always focused on the team’s needs rather than personal achievements. “You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did. That is why you ended up being so special,” the letter reads.
The 2024 ICC Hall of Fame inductees include de Villiers alongside England’s Sir Alastair Cook and Indian women’s cricket legend Neetu David.
The friendship between Kohli and de Villiers is one of the most cherished stories in modern cricket.
Having played together at RCB in the IPL, the duo formed an unbreakable bond built on mutual respect and a shared love for the game.
Even though de Villiers retired from international cricket in 2021, his influence on the sport continues to be celebrated, with Kohli’s tribute further elevating the South African’s legacy.
