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South African legend AB de Villiers has named his top 5 favourite ODI batters of all time, featuring two Indian cricket icons, Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.
De Villiers, known for his incredible batting prowess, also included MS Dhoni, another Indian stalwart, in his esteemed list. The Proteas star made the revelation in a recent video on his Youtube channel ‘AB de Villiers 360,’ while interacting with fans.
De Villiers, who has had a storied career with nearly 10,000 ODI runs at an average of 53.50, has often expressed admiration for his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Kohli and ex-rival Dhoni. His selection highlights the immense respect he holds for these players’ contributions to the sport.
AB de Villiers’ top 5 ODI batters of all time:
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is one of the most successful and dominant batsmen in modern cricket. Known for his exceptional technique and ability to perform under pressure, Kohli has led India to numerous victories. He is the only player in history to have won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award three times. Kohli’s consistency across formats is unparalleled, with over 25,000 international runs. His leadership and batting prowess have made him a cornerstone of Indian cricket.
2. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar is often regarded as the “God of Cricket.” He holds the record for the most runs in both Test and ODI cricket, with over 34,000 runs. Tendulkar’s career spanned 24 years, during which he scored 100 international centuries. His impact on cricket extends beyond his records; he inspired generations of cricketers worldwide. Tendulkar’s humility and dedication to the sport have made him a beloved figure globally.
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3. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is renowned for his exceptional leadership and finishing skills in limited-overs cricket. As captain, he led India to World Cup victories in both the ODI (2011) and T20I (2007) formats. Dhoni’s ability to remain calm under pressure and his innovative batting style have made him a legend. He is also one of the best wicket-keepers in cricket history, known for his lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps.
4. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is one of the most successful captains in cricket history, leading Australia to two World Cup titles. He is the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket among Australians, with over 13,000 runs. Ponting’s aggressive batting style and leadership skills made him a formidable force on the field. He is also known for his exceptional fielding abilities, often regarded as one of the best fielders of his generation.
5. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. He is the only player to have scored over 10,000 runs and taken over 250 wickets in both Test and ODI cricket. Kallis’s consistency and adaptability across formats made him invaluable to the South African team. His ability to perform under pressure and his exceptional fielding skills further solidify his status as a cricket legend.
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