AB de Villiers' Candid Confession: The Rocky Start to Cricket's Iconic Bromance
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates IPL 2026, one of the tournament's most celebrated partnerships is back under the microscope. AB de Villiers, the legendary South African batsman and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon, has opened up about his first impressions of ex-captain Virat Kohli. While the duo eventually became the most formidable batting pair in T20 history, De Villiers admits it wasn't exactly friendship at first sight.
Initial Friction: 'I Didn't Initially Like Him a Lot'
Speaking candidly on the Mbangwa Media YouTube channel, the man famously known as Mr. 360 revealed that Kohli's early demeanor rubbed him the wrong way. "I didn't initially like him a lot, to be honest. He was a bit cocky, you know, and I've told him that before. I've said it in many interviews. We sort of laugh at that now," De Villiers remarked. This frank admission sheds light on the human dynamics behind one of cricket's most storied on-field relationships.
Competitive Drive: A Mirror Image of Himself
However, the Proteas legend was quick to clarify that this perceived arrogance was actually a reflection of his own personality. "Why I say cocky is because I probably saw a similar kind of thing that I have in him; it's that competitive drive," he elaborated. "It's that thing that you're born with, that I don't like losing, nothing is going to change that. So I probably saw that in Virat initially when I met him." This mutual intensity, while initially off-putting, would later become the bedrock of their partnership.
The Thawing Ice: Discovering the Human Behind the Competitor
The ice between the two cricketing giants began to melt as they spent more time together on the international circuit. De Villiers noted that beneath Kohli's aggressive exterior was a player driven by a profound sense of duty to his team. "Then in the second or third meeting, getting to hear his voice and hear him speak, I'm like, oh okay, he's also just human, you know, just a nice guy who's got a deep drive of wanting to perform and win games of cricket for his country," he added. This realization marked the turning point in their relationship.
The Foundation of a Legendary Partnership
The groundwork for their legendary RCB partnership was laid during a tense Test match at the Wanderers, shortly after RCB had acquired Kohli. Despite being embroiled in an international battle, Kohli reached out to his future teammate in a moment that would define their bond. "And I remember in that tunnel, he came up to me, he's like, 'I'm glad you're on our team.' And we sort of vibed, like we're going to be good friends. In the middle of a Test match, we would hardly ever speak to each other, and he just went like, 'Yes, I'm so glad we got you.' I'm like, okay, this guy actually likes me, we can maybe be mates," De Villiers recalled. This simple gesture bridged the gap between two competitive spirits.
Their journey from initial friction to mutual respect and friendship underscores the complex dynamics that often fuel great sporting partnerships. As IPL 2026 approaches, fans will undoubtedly reminisce about the electrifying chemistry between De Villiers and Kohli that redefined RCB's batting lineup and left an indelible mark on T20 cricket history.
