Legendary South African batter AB de Villiers has lauded star India batter Virat Kohli for his record-equalling 49th ODI ton and revealed that his former RCB teammate and skipper looked “laser-focused” when he met him at Kolkata before India’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa.
Kohli tied with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons, and his performance, along with those of Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mohammed Shami, proved instrumental in India’s eighth successive win in CWC 2023, as they beat the 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,” AB de Villiers told ICC, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
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“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,” AB de Villiers added.
De Villiers said that he is impressed by Kohli’s century, but not surprised, because it is difficult to stop Kohli 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,” AB de Villiers said. “When Virat Kohli is focused, when he is playing well, its very difficult to stop. It is all about the desire. He still wants it, and he wants it more. I am expecting even more fireworks from here on.”
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AB de Villiers expressed happiness for Kohli’s ton, saying, “I am very happy for my brother. That is what he is to me. We 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.
In eight ICC CWC matches, Kohli has scored 543 runs at an average of over 108, with two centuries and four fifties. His best score is 103*. India will take on Netherlands in their final league-stage match on November 12.
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De Villiers’s comments about Kohli’s focus and desire are a testament to the Indian batter’s greatness. Kohli is known for his dedication to the game and his relentless pursuit of excellence. His equaling century against South Africa is just another example of his world-class talent and his unwavering determination.
