We all know AB De Villiers as brilliant Wicket-Keeper, South Africa’s star batsman, has scored fastest ton in One-day Internatiional against West Indies off just 31 balls and ofcourse now Royal Challengers Bangalore’s big-hitter. Here are the 15 lesser known facts about ‘Absolutely Brilliant’ De Villiers.
Hockey Player
He made it to the shortlist of South Africa’s junior national hockey team.
Football Player
He was shortlisted for South Africa’s junior national football team.
National Rugby Player
AB de Villiers was captain of South Africa’s junior national rugby team.
Swimming Records
There are six South African school swimming records in his name.
Brilliant Wicket-Keeper
He is a wicket keeper and has 185 and 145 dismissals in tests and one-day.
Junior Athlete
AB de Villiers holds the record in the 100m dash in South Africa’s junior athletics.
Tennis Player
Once he was a member of South Africa’s junior Davis Cup tennis team.
Badminton Champion
Even he titled as South Africa’s U-19 national badminton champion.
Most Sixes in World Cup
AB de Villiers holds the record for the most sixes in Cricket World Cup (37 sixes) along with Chris Gayle.
Golf Player
As a Golf player his average score for a round of golf is par or better.
Received National medal from Nelson Mandela
AB de Villiers is a recipient of the prestigious national medal from the Late Nelson Mandela for a science project.
Fastest to reach 7K runs in ODIs
AB de Villiers is the fastest player to reach 7000 runs in One Day Internationals.
He sung,”Show them who you are”
He even released a song titled ‘Show them who you are’, which became really popular and was sung as an anthem when South Africa triumphed against Australia in 2009.
ICC Award in 2014
He was named ICC ODI Player of the year 2014.
Unique Record
AB de Villiers holds the record for most Test innings without registering a duck (78), before being dismissed for a duck against Bangladesh in November 2008.