New Delhi: As the cricketing world gears up for IPL 2026, one of the tournament’s most famous “bromances” is back in the spotlight. AB de Villiersthe legendary South African batsman and former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart has made a candid confession about his first impression of the former captain. Virat Kohli.While the duo eventually became the most feared batting duo in T20 history, de Villiers revealed that it wasn’t exactly “friendship at first sight”. But talking about their early encounters Mbangwa Media YouTube ChannelThe man popularly known as Mr 360 admitted that Kohli’s initial demeanor rubbed him the wrong way.De Villiers remarked, “I didn’t like him much at first, to be honest, he was a bit funny, you know, and I’ve told him before.
However, the Proteas legend was quick to clarify that this perceived arrogance was actually a reflection of his own personality. “Why I say that, is because I’ve probably seen the same kind of thing that’s in him; it’s that competitive drive,” he added. “It’s something you’re born with, I don’t like losing, nothing’s going to change that. So I probably saw that in Virat when I met him.”The ice began to melt as the two spent more time together on the international circuit. De Villiers noted that beneath the aggressive exterior was a cricketer imbued with a deep sense of duty to his team.“Then on the second or third meeting, hearing his voice and hearing him speak, I’m like, oh well, he’s also just human, you know, just a good guy with a deep drive to perform and want to win for his country,” he added.The foundation of their legendary RCB partnership was actually laid during a tense Test match at Wanderers when RCB picked Kohli. Despite being in the heat of an international battle, Kohli reached out to his future partner.“And I remember in that tunnel, he comes up to me, he’s like, ‘I’m glad you’re on our team.’ And we’re kind of vibed, like we’re going to be good friends. In the middle of a Test match, we hardly ever speak to each other, and he just goes, ‘Yeah, I’m so glad we got you.’ I’m like, OK, this guy likes me, we might be mates,” de Villiers recalled.
