MUMBAI: Former South Africa batting great AB de Villiers, in India to watch the highly-anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup league match between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, is making the most of his time in India.
On Friday, the legendary batter, during a visit to the city, went to the Shardashram Vidyamandir International School and the famed Shivaji Park in the city, two places which have a huge connection with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar had played for Shardashram Vidyamandir in his school days, and learnt his cricket at the Shivaji Park. After being the chief guest at a function to welcome him at Shardashram, De Villiers went to watch a few Harris Shield inter-school matches there.
At Shardashram, De Villiers told the kids about his special relationship with former India captain Virat Kohli, who was his teammate at RCB for many years. "It's just an incredible story of how two guys from different cultures, different countries got together. We respect each other so much. We share so many special memories, especially off the field. That's where I got to know Virat. He's a humble, down to earth person. You don't often see that on the pitch, but that's the man he is, and I'm really privileged to know him."
De Villiers recalled that it was Tendulkar's humble nature that struck him about the icon. "And then I was also very happy to meet Sachin, the Master Blaster. He's obviously from here only, and you guys can be very proud that he walked the rounds here. (He's) one of the most humble people I've ever met in my life. He can be so down to earth. and that gave me so much inspiration to follow my dreams, but stay humble at the same time," he praised.
"It's my absolute honour to be here this morning. Thank you so much for the kind introduction, for the welcome. You make me feel like I'm one of your own. It's truly humbling and it';s great to be here today," De Villiers said.
"He wanted to see how so many local matches take place in the same ground," a source said. He was accompanied by India's veteran wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik. Also present with the legendary batsman were India all-rounders Washington Sundar, Venkatesh Iyer and batsman Rahul Tripathi, all of whom play in the IPL. De Villiers met Mumbai Cricket Association secretaries Ajinkya Naik and Deepak Patil.
"I'm in INDIA to watch the World Cup with YOU! Namaste India, I'm back. Feels very special to be here to catch one of the most anticipated World Cup games - India vs South Africa at Eden Gardens. #Cricket #Fitness #Sports," de Viliers had tweeted after arriving in India. During his visit to Mumbai last year, De Villiers had played ‘gully cricket’ with fans in Mahalaxmi.
