De Villiers, celebrated for his extraordinary talent, concluded his career with over 20,000 runs across all formats, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s modern legends. Kohli penned an emotional letter to de Villiers, stating, “You are thoroughly deserving of your place… Yours has been truly unique.”
The duo not only faced each other in international competitions but also shared a dressing room at Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2011 to 2021. Kohli reminisced about the profound impact de Villiers had on his game, highlighting a memorable IPL match where de Villiers hit a stunning 94-meter six against Sunil Narine, showcasing his remarkable self-belief and innovative batting style.
Kohli emphasized de Villiers’ adaptability, recalling a Test match in 2015 where he batted for nearly five hours, facing 297 balls for just 43 runs to help save the game for South Africa. This ability to tailor his approach to the needs of the team made de Villiers a formidable opponent and an invaluable teammate.
As de Villiers enters the Hall of Fame, Kohli reflects on the legacy he leaves behind, not just in terms of statistics but in the lasting impression he made on the game and those who watched him play. “You are one of the greatest players to ever play the game,” Kohli concluded, honoring his friend’s immense contributions to cricket.