Ramandeep Singh dives into AB de Villiers vs Virat Kohli debate [Source: AFP]KKR all-rounder Ramandeep Singh has revealed that South African legend AB de Villiers is his favourite cricketer, picking the former Proteas star when asked to choose between him and Indian batting great Virat Kohli. Ramandeep rose to fame following his consistent performances in domestic cricket and the IPL. He has been playing the IPL since 2022, featuring in 2 teams, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.Ramandeep Singh names AB de Villiers as his idolInterestingly, in a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Ramandeep Singh revealed that he has admired AB de Villiers’ batting since the beginning of his career. In particular, the KKR star said that the South African’s intent and ability to win matches from difficult situations impressed him the most. Hence, when asked to choose between ABD and Virat Kohli, Singh chose the Protea."I've always followed ABD from the start, his batting. His intent and how he has won matches, so the player you put in at the end, even if you had put him at the start, he would've been the one I would've chosen," Ramandeep said.The Indian batter added that even when presented with the choice of legend Virat Kohli, de Villiers would remain his preferred player. Also Read - Aakash Chopra Counters AB de Villiers, Explains Why Sachin Tendulkar Is Better Than Virat KohliAB de Villiers vs Virat Kohli Statistical ComparisonMeanwhile, technically, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli are two legends with completely different playing styles. AB was explosive, innovative and highly attacking as a middle-order batter.On the other hand, Kohli is more controlled while batting. He is technically sound as well as aggressive when the situation demands. Also, ABD had a wide range of shots, as he could hit around every corner of the park.The biggest difference in their career numbers comes in ODI cricket. Kohli has scored 14,941 ODI runs with 54 centuries, the most ODI hundreds in men's international cricket. He has also won the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2024 T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophy titles with India.De Villiers, meanwhile, finished with more than 20,000 international runs and was one of the first genuine three-format batting greats. He averaged more than 50 in both Tests and ODIs and famously holds the record for the fastest ODI century, off just 31 balls.Why Kohli and de Villiers' legacy differs?Another interesting difference between the two careers is the cricketing environment in which they made their impact. After his debut in 2008, Virat Kohli became a pillar of Indian cricket and held all-format captaincy for multiple years. He also finished as the country's most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 Tests.On the other hand, de Villiers made his South Africa debut in 2004 and spent 14 years representing the Proteas. He was part of a highly talented South African generation featuring the likes of Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Graeme Smith. De Villiers also eventually became a captain of South Africa and finished as the country's second-highest international run-scorer behind Kallis. But while Virat Kohli carried Indian cricket on his shoulders single-handedly, AB de Villiers had legends around him to support him. After MS Dhoni's retirement, Kohli had no support whatsoever as he tackled every challenge alone, unlike de Villiers.Hence, in this sense, their legacies differ, as Virat Kohli was mostly a lone warrior while AB de Villiers had significant backing to support his career.Also Read - Who Has Naman Dhir Replaced In India Playing XI vs West Indies? 1st ODI Toss Report
