Former South African great AB de Villiers recently made a surprising and candid admission about his longtime teammate and friend Virat Kohli. Known for their incredible partnership at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, de Villiers revealed that his initial feelings toward Kohli were not as warm as fans might expect. This unexpected insight sheds light on the complexities of relationships in professional sports and highlights the growth of mutual respect and friendship between two of cricket’s modern legends.
De Villiers admitted that when he first encountered Virat Kohli on the cricket field, he actually disliked him. The intense competitiveness of both players played a big role in this early perception. De Villiers described Kohli as a fierce rival who was “an absolute pain to play against.” Their rivalry was marked by relentless aggression and an unyielding desire to win, which initially made it difficult for de Villiers to connect with Kohli beyond the boundaries of competition.
However, everything changed once they became teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sharing the dressing room and working together toward common goals forged a strong bond between the two. De Villiers called Kohli “one of my cricketing brothers,” emphasizing how their relationship evolved from adversaries to close friends. Their partnership on the field became legendary, with the duo putting together some of the most memorable and high-scoring stands in IPL history.
The admission from de Villiers gives fans a rare glimpse into how professional rivalries can evolve into deep camaraderie. It highlights that even fierce competitors can come to appreciate and respect each other’s talents, dedication, and character when united by shared ambitions. Their friendship off the field became as remarkable as their partnership on it, with both players supporting and motivating each other through different phases of their careers.
De Villiers also expressed surprise at Kohli’s recent decision to step away from Test cricket, saying he hadn’t fully expected the announcement to come so soon. He praised Kohli for his outstanding contributions to Indian cricket and acknowledged the immense impact Kohli has had on the sport globally. The respect de Villiers holds for Kohli is evident, showing how their relationship has grown beyond competition into genuine admiration.
This revelation also humanizes two cricketing giants, reminding fans that behind the fierce battles and competitive intensity lie personal stories of growth, change, and friendship. The journey from rivalry to brotherhood between de Villiers and Kohli is a testament to the power of sports to build connections that transcend initial impressions.
In the end, AB de Villiers’ surprising admission about Virat Kohli adds a fascinating chapter to the narrative of two cricket legends whose partnership captivated millions. It reinforces the idea that even the strongest competitors can find common ground, mutual respect, and lifelong friendship through their shared love of the game.