Virat Kohli has faced comparisons with many batters of his generation and other generations. But not many have picked the other batter over Kohli. Only when there is national bias, former cricketers have gone with their compatriots over the Indian icon. But former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs did not even think twice. He had to choose between Virat Kohli and Mr 360 AB de Villiers. And his choice was simple.
Herschelle Gibbs picked Virat Kohli over his former teammate AB de Villiers. And the reason is interesting.
“He is a genius when it comes to batting. His hunger for runs and his desire to… especially in One-Day games when they chase, that is where you see the difference between him and AB (De Villiers),” Herschelle Gibbs told SportsLaunchpad founder Saurav Yaduvanshi on his Facebook page.
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Gibbs picks Chasemaster
While AB de Villiers has an excellent record in ODIs, it pales in comparison to Virat Kohli when it comes to chasing down a target.
27 out of 50 ODI centuries have come in chasing a target for Virat Kohli. That Kohli averages 65.49 in chases tells you why he is called the Chasemaster.
AB de Villiers 32 ODI tons. But only 7 of them have come in chases even though he averages 56.81.
“AB scored a lot of his hundred batting first, not batting second. That is where Virat is absolute phenomenon. His record is second to none,” said Herschelle Gibbs, who was also one of the best chasers in cricket. His stunning 175 off 111 deliveries against Australia is still one of the best innings ever.
Virat Kohli vs AB de Villiers in chase
| Player | Inn | Runs | Avg | 50/100 |
| Virat Kohli | 152 | 7794 | 65.49 | 40/27 |
| AB de Villiers | 103 | 4204 | 56.81 | 28/7 |
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