Mumbai: Born in Pretoria – the city of Boer Wars and forts – this warrior is no less than a national monument for South Africa. When he carried water for elder brothers in the family garden during cricket matches, he found the bat too heavy. Now, he uses it like a broom. Despite holding six swimming records in high-school, AB de Villiers chose to play cricket, and since then – the sport never looked easier.
When the batsman scored the fastest hundred in One Day International (ODI) cricket (100 of 31balls leading to 149 off 44) against West Indies at The Wanderers on Sunday, it looked destined. Why? He has been a natural athlete with a sense of timing. He has the ability to execute most of the shots in his armoury in any given condition. On top of that, he also shone in badminton, golf, rugby, hockey, football and tennis.
AB’s fitness and flamboyancy is hereditary. Apart from his brothers, Jan and Wessels, both his parents excelled in sports. His family played golf and tennis and were competitive. The gusto behind the effort for a sport is also part of the Afrikaans culture. He gave up tennis at the age of 13 and also, the chance to play for Blue Bulls – the provincial rugby team.
Though his brothers bullied him, they eventually injected the spirit of the willow and leather into little AB. He became sure of being a cricketer when his dreams took a flight along with Jonty Rhodes when the legendary fielder ran Inzamam-ul-Haq out in the World Cup in 1992. Rhodes became his idol and his fielding skills now is clearly a reflection of his teenage mind.
AB made his Test and ODI debut against England in the home series in 2004-05 after a stint with the Under-19 cricket team.
It is said that a musician’s brain is never blurry and this man, like speedster Brett Lee, is a singer-songwriter too. Having taken guitar lessons from the age of 11, he is an Elton John and Billy Joel fan.
With friend Ampie du Preez, he released a single ‘Show Them Who You Are’ which became a motivational song for the Proteas. AB is also a partner in his brother’s fast-food business. What next? An Olympic gold medal for the nation? He can choose any sport.
But before all that, he has to fulfil what late Hansie Cronje dreamt for the nation in 1999 – the ICC Cricket World Cup.
