AB De Villiers says Virat Kohli inspires self-belief – ‘More important than winning trophy’

Outgoing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has made a bigger impact than he can imagine, long-time teammate AB de Villiers said in the dressing room after their 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign ended in defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Eliminator on Monday.

“I have been here through all the years with Virat as captain and I think the word that comes to mind is ‘grateful’. We were very lucky to have had you at the front,” said De Villiers.

“The way you captained this team has inspired everyone, certainly inspired me to become better as a player and a person. You have had a much bigger impact than you will ever understand, it has gone miles. There are stories that you don’t even hear of people’s lives that you have touched.

“I have known you on the field but away from it as well. You make people believe in themselves, which is much more important than winning a trophy. Which I still believe will come your way,” he said.

Kohli and De Villiers have had a number of memorable moments on the field, notably a 229-run partnership they shared against Gujarat Lions in the 2016 IPL. The partnership came in just 97 balls and both Kohli (109 off 55 balls) and de Villiers (129 off 52 balls) struck centuries.

“I think some of the umpires will sleep a bit better,” De Villiers joked. “Very happy for them. But congrats on a great captaincy career and I look forward to you winning more trophies for us and for India.”

Kohli had said before the start of the UAE leg of the 2021 IPL that he would be stepping down as RCB’s captain at the end of the season.