October 22, 2024: Former South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock has heaped praise on AB de Villiers, following the latter’s recent induction into the ICC Hall of Fame. Pollock highlighted de Villiers’ exceptional ability to handle pace and bounce, recalling his early impressions of the legendary batter.
Pollock’s admiration for de Villiers began when they first faced each other in a practice match, where de Villiers was opening for Northerns. Pollock, a seasoned bowler at the time, recognized something special about the young batter. De Villiers’ balance, technique, and ability to manage South African conditions—known for pace and bounce—left a lasting impression.
Pollock described de Villiers’ batting technique as compact and balanced, making him an ideal role model for aspiring batters. He noted de Villiers’ perfect head position and the way he took his bat back straight, adding that his ability to rock back at the point of delivery gave him the extra time to handle any type of bowling.
One of the standout moments Pollock reminisced about was de Villiers’ record-breaking “Pink Day” century against the West Indies in 2015, where he scored the fastest ODI hundred in just 31 balls.
Pollock mentioned how de Villiers had initially expressed reluctance to bat next, but when pushed by the coaching staff, he went on to score a blistering 149 off just 44 balls, showcasing his full range of shots. The innings, which included nine fours and 16 sixes, helped South Africa post a mammoth total of 439/2, ultimately overwhelming the West Indies. Pollock noted that de Villiers, dressed in pink, displayed his entire “repertoire” of innovative and destructive shots, cementing his reputation as “Mr. 360.”
Pollock also commended de Villiers for his success across all formats, including his remarkable performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his stints with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore earned him a massive fanbase in India. De Villiers, with 5,162 runs at an average of 39.70 in the IPL, is the seventh-highest run-scorer in the league’s history, further showcasing his adaptability and dominance in T20 cricket.
Pollock’s reflections on de Villiers emphasize the lasting impact the South African great had on world cricket. With over 20,000 international runs, including 8,756 in Tests and 9,577 in ODIs, de Villiers’ legacy as one of the most innovative and gifted batters in the modern era is firmly established.
