AB de Villiers: 5 reasons why he is the most loved foreign cricketer in India

AB de Villiers is perhaps the biggest name in world cricket at present. Although he has some worthy competitors in the form of his IPL teammates Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, De Villiers does manage to get the better of both in terms of popularity.The masterful Proteas batsman may not be the most loved cricketer in the world, but nothing quite matches up to the kind of reputation that he has in India. The Indian fans worship De Villiers to the extent that they have even cheered him on during India-South Africa encounters.Have you ever wondered why fans in the cricket-obsessed nation are so inclined towards AB de Villiers? Here are the 5 most likely reasons.

#5 Respect among fellow cricketers

De Villiers commands huge amounts of respect even from his opponents

AB de Villiers is undoubtedly one of the prominent figures in world cricket in terms of the respect that he manages to garner from fellow cricketers from around the world. The fact that even their own heroes have the utmost regard for the South African makes Indian cricket fans love him even more.

India’s star batsman Virat Kohli, for one, admires De Villiers a lot and spares no opportunity to shower praises on his RCB teammate. On the eve of AB’s 100th Test in Bengaluru last year, Kohli had said about him, "He is not only a great cricketer but a genuine human being too."

The Indian ace batsman is just one of those several cricketers from different countries who look up to AB de Villiers as an inspiration.

#4 Saviour of ODI cricket\'s popularity

He holds the record for the fastest 50, 100 and 150 in ODI cricket

ODI cricket used to be the most popular format in India before the advent of T20 cricket. Ever since the shortest format of the game arrived on the scene, 50-over cricket had slowly but surely started losing its zing among the Indian fans.

However, AB de Villiers has used his batting heroics to breathe some life back into ODI cricket. His 31-ball century against West Indies last year, the fastest in ODIs, set the tone for the revival of 50-over cricket.

This was followed by the 2015 ICC World Cup ending up being a huge success with De Villiers playing his part extremely well, courtesy some blistering knocks. The best of the lot came against West Indies where ABD scored the fastest 150 in ODI history en route an unbeaten 162.

#3 Nice guy both on and off the field

The South African has been a gentleman both on and off the field

AB de Villiers’ ‘nice guy’ image both while on the field, and outside of it has played a major role in helping him earn the favour of Indian fans. In a time when controversies are the order of the day in the cricketing world, De Villiers is one of the rare superstars who have kept their image clean thus far.

One has hardly seen the Proteas great portray over-aggressive behaviour on the field, such as engaging in giving send-offs, sledging or wild celebrations. Also, the humility and openness with which AB de Villiers gets involved with fellow cricketers and fans has won him many hearts.

No wonder De Villiers sends Indians into a tizzy every time he is around in the country with people desperate to catch a glimpse of him.

#2 Unbelievable batting prowess

De Villiers’ range of shots has often caught the opposition bowlers off guard

One of the primary reasons why not just Indians but cricket fans all over the world love AB de Villiers is his unimaginable batting prowess, which has earned him the unique nickname 'Mr. 360.' There is no corner of the cricket ground that the great South African batsman has not explored.

De Villiers has the uncanny ability to smash deliveries pitched on the same spot in several different directions and achieve the same result. Many of the shots that he plays can be quite difficult to explain and one cannot find them in any coaching manual.

However, that does not mean AB cannot play conventional shots. In fact, he is equally adept at playing it by the book, the greatest proof of this being his amazing batting record in Test match cricket.

#1 The IPL Connection

De Villiers has a magical IPL connection with India

Easily the most prominent reason for Indian cricket fans to love AB de Villiers so much is his strong IPL connection. AB has been playing in the IPL ever since its inception and started off as a part of the Delhi Daredevils.

He was not as popular at that point, but his move to the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise changed all this. De Villiers' heroics for his new franchise made him a crowd favourite, especially due to his unconventional yet explosive batting.

Currently, he is the lead member of a terrific RCB trio which includes Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. AB de Villiers' popularity in India's premier domestic T20 tournament has earned him a special place in the hearts of Indian cricket fans and they display it every time he walks in to bat, irrespective of the format.