AB de Villiers Got The Kind Of Standing Ovation In India That Dhoni, Kohli, And Rohit Get: Aakash Chopra

Former South African captain AB de Villiers’ decision to stay retired from international cricket after rumours of returning was heartbreaking news for the fans, especially in India. Over the years, AB de Villiers has managed to etch his place in the Indian cricketing fans through his exemplary batting performances and superhuman fielding efforts not only in IPL but also for the national team. Meanwhile, renowned commentator Aakash Chopra recollected the time when the keeper-batsman got the kind of standing ovation in India that Indian stalwarts receive before the match.

AB de Villiers remained on track for an international comeback after shockingly retiring in May 2018. The veteran’s performances in IPL 2021 prompted experts to slot him back to the team for the T20 World Cup later this year. The right-handed batsman crafted several game-changing knocks this year, enabling the Royal Challengers Bangalore to stay dominant. But De Villiers, who had a conversation with head coach Mark Boucher, refused to come back since he was reluctant of taking another deserving player’s spot.

Aakash Chopra underlined that MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are the ones in Indian cricket’s immediate span garnering a roar while entering the ground. The 43-year old recalls hearing the same when AB de Villiers did the same as if he belonged to India. Aakash lauded the former Proteas skipper for inducing the kind of love and respect in Indian cricket fans’ hearts and specifically named the India-South Africa fixture hosted by Dharamshala. He notably made 51 runs off 32 balls as the tourists chased 200 plus in a T20I.

“If we see Indian cricket’s immediate span, Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit are the three players who cause a roar when they enter the ground. I saw a similar standing ovation given to AB de Villiers before the match. It was as if he was an Indian. The kind of love and affection, and the admiration he has generated in Indian hearts. There are a few moments that get etched in your mind, which remain with you forever. This was such a moment which happened to me with regards to AB de Villiers during an India-South Africa match in Dharamsala,” Chopra said in his Youtube channel.

AB de Villiers Test and ODI career numbers are wonderful: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra highlighted that AB de Villiers has impressive numbers in Test and ODI cricket as he has 8765 Test runs at 50.66. On the other hand, the 37-year old has nearly 10000 runs in ODIs at 53.50, maintaining a strike rate of more than 100.

“His Test and ODI career numbers are wonderful. He scored 8765 runs in Tests at an average of 50.66. He reached close to ten thousand runs in ODIs, 9577 runs at an even better average of 53.50 and a strike rate above 100. That’s phenomenal,” he added.

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