Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers lavished rich praise on India’s Virat Kohli as the master cricketer equaled legend Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 49 ODI tons in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Kohli achieved the feat in the 37^th match of the tournament against South Africa in Kolkata.

Kohli made 101* on his 35^th birthday on November 5 in Kolkata and along with Shreyas Iyer’s 77, took India to 326/5 in 50 overs. In response, South Africa was bundled out for 83 with Ravindra Jadeja taking 5/33. India won the match by 243 runs, registering their 8^th successive win in the CWC 2023.

Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers met before the start of the match in Kolkata and the Proteas legend said that his former RCB teammate looked laser-focused on his goal.

"First of all, it was obviously not part of the plan (the meeting with Virat). It just happened that way, but things have always happened that way for the two of us. I was here this morning and I walked straight into him and I was like woah, I see you on your birthday and you are playing and you are about to match the record of the great Sachin Tendulkar and I just remember seeing those eyes. He was so laser-focused," said De Villiers to ICC as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.  

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“I gave him that big bear hug, and I must say I'm impressed but I'm not surprised. When Virat Kohli is focused, when he is playing well, it's very difficult to stop. It is all about the desire. He still wants it, and he wants it more. I am expecting even more fireworks from here on," said De Villiers.

After the match, AB de Villiers lauded Virat Kohli for his 49^th ODI century and said that he was happy for his brother.

"I am very happy for my brother. That is what he is to me. We come a long way together. We've got great memories on and off the field.  And even though it was against South Africa, it made me sad in a way, but, I am very happy for my brother. What a great man," said the Proteas batting legend.

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In eight ICC CWC matches, Virat has scored 543 runs at an average of over 108, with two centuries and four fifties. His best score is 103*. India’s final league stage match will be on November 12 against the Netherlands in Bengaluru.

(ANI inputs)