Archive · 1 Sep 2025
AB de Villiers Reveals Top-5 Cricketers, Kohli Omitted
Former cricketer AB de Villiers, known for his friendship with Virat Kohli, chose his top five cricketers.
He surprisingly didn't include Kohli, opting for Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Mohammed Asif, Shane Warne, and Sachin Tendulkar.
De Villiers cited Tendulkar's impact and crowd reception as key factors.
He described Mohammed Asif as the best seamer he faced, and enjoyed playing against Shane Warne.
AB de Villiers shared his top 5 cricketers on the 'Beard Before Wicket' podcast.
Virat Kohli was not selected by De Villiers.
De Villiers' picks were Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Mohammed Asif, Shane Warne and Sachin Tendulkar.
Tendulkar's impact and crowd reaction were reasons for his inclusion.
De Villiers named Asif the best seamer he faced and enjoyed playing against Warne.
- Who
- AB de Villiers
- What
- Selected his top 5 cricketers of all time
- When
- Unspecified, during a podcast
- Where
- Unspecified
- Why
- To answer a question about his favorite cricketers
AB de Villiers' Selections
Alternative Views
Kohli's Exclusion
AB de Villiers' Selections
De Villiers chose not to include his friend Virat Kohli in his top 5 cricketers of all time.
Alternative Views
Many expected Kohli to be included given their close friendship and shared history playing for RCB.
- Event
- AB de Villiers' Top 5 Cricketers Selection
- Notable Omission
- Virat Kohli
- Included Players
- Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Mohammed Asif, Shane Warne, Sachin Tendulkar
- Source
- Beard Before Wicket podcast