Bengaluru, April 14: Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) captain Virat Kohli has once again heaped praise on his South African team-mate AB de Villiers, calling him "the best batsman of this generation".
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It was not the first time that India's star batsman had spoken highly of De Villiers. Kohli has always admired the Proteas' right-hander.
Both Kohli and De Villiers struck half centuries as RCB defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 45 runs in their Indian Premier League 2016 (IPL 9) match at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 12.
Opening the batting, Kohli hit a 51-ball 75 (7x4, 3x6) while De Villiers smashed 82 off 42 with 7 fours and 6 sixes. RCB amassed 227/4 in 20 overs and then restricted SRH to 182/6 in 20 overs.
After enjoying De Villiers' top-class innings from the non-striker's end, Kohli said he is the best.
"It's always wonderful (to play with De Villiers). Last year we had a brilliant partnership as well in Mumbai. He took a bit of pressure off me there. I wanted to get off the blocks (fast), but he came in and started hitting the ball like only he can, and showed why he is the best batsman of this generation," Kohli told the host broadcaster Sony TV, according to Cricket Australia's (CA) website.
Kohli and De Villiers had a match-winning 157-run partnership for the 2nd wicket in 14.3 overs.
RCB next face Delhi Daredevils at the same venue on Sunday (April 17) at 8 PM IST. RCB have never won the IPL title.
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