Video: Why AB de Villiers is called Mr. 360
That South Africa’s AB de Villiers is one of the most destructive in world cricket at the moment is no secret. He has single-handedly destroyed the best of bowlers with his mix of traditional and unconventional shots that opposition captains often fail to find an answer for.
In fact, he is the complete cricketer as well as one of the best candidates for being the complete sportsman. He can bat, bowl, can keep wickets and is brilliant on the field when he is not handling the keeping duties. Away from cricket, De Villiers had much success with hockey, rugby, tennis, badminton, football and much more. His talent is not just restricted to sports either as he is a talented singer as well.
All these qualities have made De Villiers one of the most loved cricketers in the world as even the opposition fans applaud when they are entertained by the skills of this maverick cricketer. Despite his array of skills, there’s no doubting that it is his entertaining shots with the bat that has the crowd cheering for him all day long.
He can play shots all around the wicket and is equally adept at playing the fast and slower bowlers and there isn’t a bowler in the world that seem to bother him. Even his own national teammate Dale Steyn has felt the might of De Villiers’ bat when they came face to face while playing for different franchises in the Indian Premier League.
His outstanding numbers in Test cricket is proof that he can play the textbook shots to perfection, but he can play the unconventional ones like no other when called upon. And more often than not, he delivers.
He can play the audacious shots over extra cover, straight drives, leg scoops, smacks to the mid wicket boundaries, pull shots, reverse sweeps, switch hits – name it all and De Villiers will deliver.
Here’s a video showcasing his wide array of shots that has earned him the nickname as the ‘complete batsman’ and Mr. 360.