AB de Villiers Turns 41: South African Legend’s Camaraderie With Virat Kohli

Last Updated:February 17, 2025, 07:30 IST

AB de Villiers Birthday: The South African batter revealed that he didn’t quite trust Virat Kohli in the early days.

Happy Birthday AB de Villiers: Legendary South African batter AB de Villiers celebrates his 41st birthday today, February 17. Widely recognised as Mr 360, the right-hand batter has made a lasting impact in international and franchise cricket. The southpaw could hit the ball anywhere, against any bowler.

In no time, he established himself as a bona fide South African great with his over-flowing talent and calm temperament. De Villiers also had a successful individual career with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

It’s the same place where the South African batter developed an ever-lasting bond with India’s star cricketer Virat Kohli. On this special day let’s discuss how these two cricketers met, what they achieved and how they supported each other during the time of adversity.

Where did Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers meet?

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers first crossed paths in Johannesburg, where they had a brief conversation. Recalling the moment during a 2020 interview, Kohli shared, “I remember meeting him for the first time in Johannesburg. We were walking down the tunnel as their practice session was ending and ours was about to begin.”

He continued, “I said, ‘Hello, we’re going to be playing together,’ and that was it—a short exchange. Who would have thought that nine years later, we’d become such great friends?”

AB de Villiers also revealed his first impressions of Virat Kohli in 2020, admitting that he didn’t quite trust him during the early days. “It’s a human thing to sort of put a bit of defence around you. I remember walking up that tunnel, I remember saying ‘Hi’ but the defences were on like I don’t quite trust this guy yet, I’ve heard a lot about him, I’ve seen the hair, I’ve seen the style but I’m not convinced,” the South African legend said.

What have Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers achieved together?

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have spent multiple seasons playing together for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli joined the Karnataka-based IPL franchise in 2008 whereas, the South African batter arrived after the 2011 auction.

The RCB duo led their franchise to two finals in the T20 tournament in 2011 and 2016 but failed to win the trophy on both occasions. They also hold the record for the highest partnership in IPL history.

In 2016, Kohli and De Villiers scored 229 runs for the second wicket during RCB’s match against Gujarat Lions. It also stands as the fourth-highest partnership in T20 cricket history.

How Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have supported each other?

The unbreakable bond between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers was visible in 2021 when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper announced he would step down as the team’s captain.

A lot of hue and cry was made around this decision. Villiers launched a strong defence of his teammate, claiming that Kohli’s decision was aimed at improving his performance.

Virat Kohli has praised AB de Villiers several times in the past, often describing him as the most talented cricketer he has played with. He even wrote an emotional letter to De Villiers when the South African legend was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame.

Virat Kohli had previously revealed how a chat with AB de Villiers helped him get his focus back in 2021. In March that year, Kohli became the first men’s batter to reach 3000 T20I runs. He claimed that Villiers had advised him to keep his eyes on the ball which he followed.