AB de Villiers, one of the most dynamic cricketers to grace the game, recently stirred the cricket world by naming his top five Test cricketers he played alongside or against, leaving out his close friend and former teammate Virat Kohli. The South African legend, known for his explosive batting and versatility across formats, shared his picks on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, sparking discussions among fans and analysts alike. His selections—Jacques Kallis, Andrew Flintoff, Mohammad Asif, Shane Warne, and Sachin Tendulkar—reflect a blend of all-time greats and personal experiences that shaped his view of Test cricket’s finest. Notably, the inclusion of Pakistan’s Mohammad Asif and the omission of Kohli raised eyebrows, given their shared history at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kohli’s stellar Test record. This article delves into de Villiers’ choices, exploring why he made them, the significance of Mohammad Asif’s inclusion, and the implications of leaving out Kohli.
Jacques Kallis: The Greatest All-Rounder
De Villiers’ first pick was his South African teammate Jacques Kallis, a choice that surprised no one familiar with Test cricket’s history. Widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders, Kallis’ numbers speak for themselves: 13,289 runs at an average of 55.37 and 292 wickets in 166 Tests. His ability to dominate with both bat and ball made him a cornerstone of South Africa’s golden era. De Villiers, who played alongside Kallis for much of his career, described him as “definitely” his top pick, even suggesting Kallis could be considered the best cricketer of all time.
Kallis’ versatility was his hallmark. He could anchor an innings with a gritty century, break partnerships with his swing bowling, and hold slip catches with unmatched reliability. For de Villiers, Kallis’ presence in the dressing room and on the field was a masterclass in consistency and adaptability. Their shared moments, particularly during South Africa’s dominant Test campaigns in the 2000s, likely cemented Kallis as de Villiers’ top choice. His inclusion reflects not just statistical brilliance but the intangible impact of a teammate who set the standard for excellence.
Andrew Flintoff: The English Firebrand
Next on de Villiers’ list was Andrew Flintoff, England’s charismatic all-rounder who left an indelible mark on Test cricket in the 2000s. Flintoff, who played 79 Tests, scored 3,845 runs and took 226 wickets, was a force of nature during his prime. De Villiers specifically recalled a moment from Edgbaston, where Flintoff bowled a searing yorker to Kallis, describing it as “probably the best yorker I have ever seen in my life.” This moment underscores Flintoff’s ability to produce game-changing deliveries under pressure.
Flintoff’s inclusion highlights de Villiers’ appreciation for players who thrived in big moments. The 2005 Ashes series, where Flintoff’s all-round heroics helped England reclaim the urn, showcased his ability to swing matches with both bat and ball. His fiery competitiveness and larger-than-life persona made him a formidable opponent. For de Villiers, who faced Flintoff during South Africa’s tours of England, the Englishman’s raw energy and skill left a lasting impression, earning him a spot among the elite.
Mohammad Asif: The Pakistani Magician
Perhaps the most surprising inclusion was Mohammad Asif, the Pakistani pacer who dismissed de Villiers three times in just 13 overs across their encounters. De Villiers called Asif “probably the best seamer I’ve ever faced in my life,” a bold statement given the quality of fast bowlers he encountered, such as Dale Steyn and James Anderson. Asif, who played 23 Tests and took 106 wickets at an average of 24.36, was a master of seam and swing, capable of dismantling batting lineups with his precision.
Asif’s career, however, was marred by controversy, including a 2010 spot-fixing scandal that led to a ban and derailed his trajectory. Despite this, his skill with the ball remains legendary. De Villiers’ choice reflects a personal perspective—Asif’s ability to outfox him repeatedly in their limited encounters clearly left a mark. In 2007, during Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, Asif’s subtle variations and control made life difficult for de Villiers, who averaged over 50 in Tests but struggled against the Pakistani’s artistry.
The inclusion of Asif over more celebrated bowlers like Steyn or Wasim Akram underscores de Villiers’ emphasis on individual impact. Asif’s ability to move the ball both ways with minimal change in action made him a nightmare for batsmen, and de Villiers’ acknowledgment highlights the respect great players have for their toughest adversaries. It also shines a light on Pakistan’s rich fast-bowling tradition, which has produced icons like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan.
Shane Warne: The Spin Wizard
No list of cricketing greats is complete without Shane Warne, and de Villiers’ inclusion of the Australian leg-spinner was inevitable. Warne, with 708 wickets in 145 Tests, redefined spin bowling with his guile, charisma, and unmatched skill. De Villiers described facing Warne as “poetry in a way,” captivated by “the way he looked at me, the way he flicked his hair, the way the ball came out.” Warne’s theatrics and psychological warfare were as potent as his leg-breaks and flippers.
De Villiers admitted Warne wasn’t the best bowler he faced, likely a nod to Asif’s personal dominance over him, but Warne’s overall package—skill, aura, and showmanship—earned him a place. Warne’s ability to turn matches, like his iconic performances in the Ashes, made him a global phenomenon. For de Villiers, who faced Warne during South Africa’s battles against Australia, the spinner’s artistry and competitive spirit were unforgettable. Warne’s inclusion reflects his universal appeal and enduring legacy in Test cricket.
Sachin Tendulkar: The Master’s Final Bow
Rounding out the list was Sachin Tendulkar, India’s batting maestro and the highest run-scorer in Test history with 15,921 runs in 200 matches. De Villiers chose Tendulkar over Kohli, a decision that sparked debate given Kohli’s modern-era dominance. He recalled the “standstill moment” when Tendulkar walked out to bat, particularly during India’s 2010-11 tour of South Africa, where Tendulkar scored two centuries at 37. “The way he was acknowledged by the crowd, the way he batted,” de Villiers said, captured the reverence Tendulkar commanded.
Tendulkar’s inclusion over Kohli, despite de Villiers’ close friendship with the latter, reflects the weight of legacy. Tendulkar, even past his prime, was a formidable opponent, and his centuries in South Africa showcased his enduring class. De Villiers’ choice suggests that Tendulkar’s aura and historical significance tipped the scales, even if Kohli’s numbers—9,230 runs at an average of 49.15 in 113 Tests—are comparable in a more challenging era.
The Kohli Omission: A Tough Call
The exclusion of Virat Kohli, de Villiers’ long-time RCB teammate and friend, was the headline-grabbing moment of his list. When reminded by England spinner Adil Rashid that he’d overlooked Kohli, de Villiers apologized, saying, “Sorry, Virat. That’s why such questions are so tough to answer.” Kohli’s Test record is stellar: 29 centuries, 30 half-centuries, and a reputation as one of the fiercest competitors of his generation. His averages of 49.50 in South Africa and standout performances in England and Australia make him a modern great.
So why did de Villiers leave him out? The answer likely lies in the subjective nature of such lists. De Villiers’ selections were shaped by personal experiences—moments like Asif’s dominance or Tendulkar’s crowd-stopping presence. Kohli, despite his brilliance, may not have had a singular, defining moment against de Villiers in Tests that matched these memories. Additionally, Tendulkar’s historical weight and de Villiers’ limited encounters with him as an opponent (compared to Kohli as a teammate) may have influenced the decision.
The omission also highlights the difficulty of comparing players across eras. Tendulkar played in an era of ferocious fast bowlers like Glenn McGrath and Wasim Akram, while Kohli faced modern challenges like relentless schedules and varied conditions. De Villiers’ choice doesn’t diminish Kohli’s legacy but underscores the emotional and personal lens through which he viewed his picks.
The Significance of Mohammad Asif’s Inclusion
Asif’s inclusion is particularly noteworthy given his relatively short Test career and controversial past. Pakistan has produced some of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, from Imran Khan to Wasim Akram, yet de Villiers singled out Asif for his unique skill set. Asif’s ability to make the ball “talk” with minimal effort—seaming it both ways and maintaining pinpoint accuracy—set him apart. His 7/74 against England in 2010 and consistent performances against top sides showcased his potential to be an all-time great, had his career not been cut short.
For Pakistan cricket fans, de Villiers’ praise is a reminder of Asif’s unfulfilled promise. It also reflects Pakistan’s enduring legacy of producing world-class pacers, a tradition continued by modern stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi. Asif’s inclusion over more decorated names like Akram or Steyn shows that de Villiers valued raw, personal impact over career longevity or fame.
A Personal Pantheon
AB de Villiers’ list of the five best Test cricketers he played with or against is a fascinating blend of statistical giants and personal adversaries. Jacques Kallis represents all-round excellence, Andrew Flintoff embodies big-match temperament, Mohammad Asif showcases raw skill, Shane Warne brings artistry, and Sachin Tendulkar carries unmatched legacy. The omission of Virat Kohli, while surprising, reflects the subjective nature of such exercises—de Villiers leaned on moments that left a lasting mark on him.
For fans, the list sparks debate and nostalgia, reminding us of Test cricket’s enduring appeal. It also highlights the respect great players have for their peers, whether it’s a teammate like Kallis or a rival like Asif. As cricket evolves, de Villiers’ selections serve as a bridge between eras, celebrating the game’s timeless qualities of skill, grit, and charisma.
