Kohli, who shared some of the most unforgettable moments with de Villiers during their time at the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), reminisced about their partnership and the impact the South African maestro has had on the sport. AB de Villiers - A Legend Among Legends The letter not only highlights the South African legend's unparalleled talent but also captures the special bond he shared with Kohli, particularly during their time at RCB. From outrageous sixes in IPL matches to grinding innings in Test cricket, de Villiers' career was a masterclass in versatility and mental fortitude. His innings of 43 off 297 balls against India in 2015, which Kohli referenced, remains one of the most iconic examples of de Villiers' ability to adapt to different formats and play selflessly for the team. Known for his 360-degree shot-making in limited-overs cricket, he showed in that match that he could shelve his attacking instincts and bat with immense patience to serve South Africa's cause. Similarly, moments like the 94-metre six against Sunil Narine in IPL 2016 perfectly encapsulate the magic de Villiers brought to the game. Even in moments of doubt, his confidence and fearless approach made him a player who could turn the tide with a single shot. An Impact Beyond Numbers Virat's letter poignantly expresses that de Villiers' legacy goes beyond mere statistics. His influence on teammates, opponents, and fans worldwide has made him a legend whose name will be spoken of for generations to come. The Hall of Fame induction is a fitting acknowledgement of a career that changed the way the game is played and perceived. Here is Kohli's full letter, capturing his fond memories and reflections on AB de Villiers' iconic career: To AB, It is an honour to be selected to write these words as you enter the ICC Hall of Fame. You are thoroughly deserving of your place - after all, the Hall of Fame is a representation of your impact on the game, and yours has been truly unique. People have always spoken about your ability, and rightly so. You are the most talented cricketer I have played with, the absolute number one. But what truly stood out to me was your belief in that ability. You had a crazy amount of belief that you could execute whatever you wanted to on a cricket field, and you normally did. That is why you ended up being so special. There is no better example in my mind than when we were batting together for RCB in Kolkata in 2016. We were chasing 184 against an attack including Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel, Andre Russell, and Shakib Al Hasan. You came in to join me with around 70 on the board, and Narine was bowling. You played and missed a couple and told me during a timeout that you weren't picking him too well. I felt I was, so I remember telling you to give me the strike and I'd try to hit boundaries off him. In the first over Narine bowled after the timeout, I was ready at the non-striker's end, thinking you were definitely giving me a single. So, imagine my surprise when you back away to the leg side, Sunil follows you, and you slog sweep him over square leg for a 94-metre six! I don't know what happened in that timeout to give you the belief you could do that. I just remember saying to you, "you're a freak!" If I lack belief against someone, I'd just try and get off strike - but you hit him for a 94-metre six without even picking the ball. That sums you up. You could do things our minds weren't ready to process, and then everyone would wonder, 'How the hell did that happen?' That is just one of so many fond memories I have batted alongside you - times which provided some of the most fun I've had on a cricket field. When we ran between the wickets, for example, we never called for runs. It's a very difficult thing to explain practically, but there's a feeling to it. There was a complete understanding of where the ball was going and nothing needed to be said. Fielders were always under pressure when we were batting. I don't ever remember missing a two with you or being in a position to be run out. It was amazing as if we understood each other so perfectly that we were always on the same page. Through my time playing with and against you, you always had a very clear understanding of how the game should be played, and you never veered from that, regardless of whether you were doing well or not. It was never about someone else. It was never about competing with another player. It was always about what impact you could create for the team. In difficult situations, you were the man bailing out your team more often than not. Your drive to be the guy who wins the game for your team was tremendous and something I learned a lot from. I remember taking from you that it doesn't matter what you've done in the last four games - it's about how you approach the game today. It's about always being positive, taking the game on, and finding a way to get the job done. Everyone remembers your attacking shots, but you could adapt to any situation. Take 2015 in Delhi, when you faced 297 balls to score 43, trying to save the Test match. There must have been a temptation at some stage to think, 'I've faced 200 balls, I need to hit a boundary.' But once you locked yourself into what the situation required, you just kept going on and on. It all comes back to that belief in your ability. It wasn't just about the extravagant shots - you also had the belief in your defence. To play that way because South Africa needed you to do so is a classic example of the team player you were. A lot of players can have impressive numbers, but very few have an impact on the psyche of those watching. For me, that is the highest value a cricketer can have, and that's what makes you so special. You are in the Hall of Fame for the impact you've left on the game, and I don't think there is anything more special for a cricketer than to have that honour. Congratulations, biscotti. You are one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Virat

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As Kohli's words reveal, de Villiers was not just a teammate but a source of inspiration - someone who taught others how to face challenges with courage, creativity, and self-belief. With his induction into the ICC Hall of Fame, AB de Villiers' legacy now stands immortalized, a testament to the magic he brought to the game and the hearts he touched along the way.