In the recent edition of Royal Challengers Bangalore's Bold Diaries, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle had a one-on-one reunion interview with each other as we build towards the IPL 2023 season. De Villiers and Gayle were inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame during the recent RCB Unbox event.
When Chris Gayle asked AB de Villers about meeting Virat Kohli for the first time and his first impression of him, the South African cricket legend stated that the Indian batter seemed to be arrogant and cock y . He also talked about Kohli also was flamboyant with his quirky hairstyle and distinct gait.
He said, “Oh my goodness… I have had this question before and I am gonna give it an honest answer again. I think he was quite cocky and arrogant when I met him the first time. With that hairstyle and he had a bit of a strut going… yes flamboyant, absolutely,”.
De Villiers also mentioned that Kohli earned his respect after he learnt more about him as a human. The former Proteas captain went on to say this about his former Indian counterpart, “But the minute I got to know him a bit better and watched him play, I mean I have the utmost respect for him. But I got to know him better as a human and I think he had a barrier around him the first time and that barrier opened up, and I got to know the person you know.”
“Lots of respect after that first meeting, I didn’t not like him (chuckles) but you know what I am saying. He is a top man but that first impression, woop, he has to come down to earth a bit.” said de Villiers in a chat with Gayle on RCB’s official YouTube Channel.
Royal Challengers Bangalore is set to kick off their IPL 2023 campaign at home in the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore on April 2nd against Mumbai Indians. Both AB de Villiers and Chirs Gayle are expected to be a part of the Indian Premier League this season as expert analysts on Sports 18 and Jio Cinema.