IPL 2011 saw a union of two contrasting personalities. They were the original fire and ice combination. Their partnership saw the game and the league reach a different level. It isn’t difficult to guess about whom we are speaking about. It is about the dazzling duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Kohli who was a part of RCB right since 2008 was the only player retained by the franchise in 2011. RCB bought ABD in the mega auctions in 2011. It marked the beginning of an era. The pair gave cricketing fans many beautiful moments to savour.
We look at 5 such beautiful moments of this duo Virat kohli and AB de villiers :
#5 AB’s advice that helped Kohli
Virat Kohli wasn’t having the greatest of runs with the bat. He was trying too hard to hit the ball. Kohli was losing his shape while doing it. He sought out ABD’s advice prior to a game. Kohli then went on to score a blistering knock. He ended up winning the player of the series award against England in the 5-match bilateral series.
Kohli later admitted in the presentation that it was ABD’s advice that helped him find his mojo back. AB had asked Kohli to get back to the basics and keep things simple. The duo have often helped each other overcome their flaws in the game.
#4 Their chemistry on social media
It is true that the IPL has reduced the animosity between players from different countries to a certain extent. But the love affair between Kohli and ABD is at an altogether different level. Kohli in 2020 had posted a beautiful tweet tagging ABD. The post read, “The most special thing about sport is the friendship and mutual respect you share with your teammates along your journey. Sport is beautiful”.
ABD too took to social media to defend Virat Kohli’s captaincy in England. He put out a post saying, “As spectators of Test Cricket, just stop worrying about team selection and other nonsense and start appreciating the competition, passion, skill, and patriotism unfolding in front of your eyes. You are missing a good game!”.
#3 215 runs partnership against Mumbai Indians
The Kohli-ABD bromance on the cricket field was at its peak in the 2015-16 season. RCB were taking on Mumbai in their backyard. Batting first, they had lost Chris Gayle early. In walked ABD to partner Kohli. The duo then went on to put a show in a stunning 215-runs partnership. RCB posted a score of 235. ABD scored a brilliant century (133) and Kohli supported him duly scoring 82*. It remains one of the most iconic partnerships at the Wankhede in Mumbai.
#2 ABD’s admiration for Virat on a chat show
ABD appeared on a popular chat show called ‘Breakfast with the Champions’. He was very vocal about his admiration for Kohli on the show. ABD opened up about his friendship with Kohli. He admitted that he was scared to ask Kohli about anything as he might just end up bringing that up for him. Their families bond wonderfully well. It was so good to see their camaraderie.
#1 World Record 229* run partnership
IPL 2016 was arguably RCB’s best season. They played a fantastic brand of cricket to reach the finals. Their journey was made special owing to two batting greats who were on top of their game.
Virat Kohli broke all possible batting records in the league that year. He topped the charts scoring 973 runs. ABD wasn’t too far behind scoring almost 700 runs. But this wasn’t just about it. The pair took their batting to an altogether new level in one game against Gujarat Lions. They stitched a world record-breaking 229* runs partnership.
It also marked the first instance of two batsmen scoring centuries in the same innings. This game and this partnership was one for the ages.
