Legendary South African batter AB de Villiers lauded star India batsman Virat Kohli for his record-equalling 49th ODI ton and revealed that his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate and skipper looked laser-focussed when he met him in Kolkata before India’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa. Virat tied with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons and performances from Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Shami proved instrumental in India’s eighth successive win in CWC 2023 as they beat Proteas by 243 runs.
“First of all, it was obviously not part of the plan (the meeting with Virat). It just happened that way, but things have always happened that way for the two of us.
I was here this morning, and I walked straight into him, and I was like, woah, I see you on your birthday, and you are playing, and you are about to match the record of the great Sachin Tendulkar, and I just remember seeing those eyes. He was so laser-focused,” said De Villiers to the ICC.
De Villiers said that he is impressed by Virat’s century but not surprised because it is difficult to stop Virat once he settles and he still “wants more”.
“I gave him that big bear hug, and I must say I’m impressed, but I’m not surprised. When Virat Kohli is focussed and playing well, it is very difficult to stop. It is all about desire. He still wants it, and he wants it more. I am expecting even more fireworks from here on,” said De Villiers.
De Villiers expressed happiness for Virat’s ton, saying, “I am very happy for my brother. That is what he is to me. We have come a long way together. We’ve got great memories on and off the field.
And even though it is against South Africa, it made me sad in a way, but I am very happy for my brother. What a great man,” said the Proteas batting legend.
