Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers didn’t hold back his admiration for India’s cricketing icon, Virat Kohli, particularly lauding his prowess in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
De Villiers, speaking on his official YouTube channel, emphasized Kohli’s unparalleled status as one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the sport. Kohli’s stellar performance in IPL 2024 speaks volumes, with him currently occupying the second spot in the league’s highest run-scorers list, having amassed an impressive 500 runs in just 10 matches, at a formidable strike rate of 147.49. This remarkable feat includes a staggering 46 boundaries and 20 towering sixes, showcasing his dominance on the field.
De Villiers expressed his exasperation towards critics who incessantly harp on Kohli’s strike rate, urging a deeper appreciation for his invaluable contributions to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the IPL as a whole.
Kohli’s recent innings against Gujarat Titans, where he delivered a blistering unbeaten knock of 70 runs from 44 balls, further cemented his status as a ‘chase master’. In this innings, Kohli achieved a milestone of 24 half-centuries while chasing targets, positioning him just behind David Warner in this regard.
Moreover, Kohli’s consistency is unmatched, as he equaled Warner’s record of surpassing the 500-run mark in IPL seasons, achieving this feat a commendable seven times. De Villiers’ impassioned defense of Kohli underscores the admiration and respect Kohli commands not only from fans but also from fellow cricketers, solidifying his legacy as a cricketing maestro.