IPL 2023: 'Virat Kohli was cocky and arrogant when I met him first', says AB de Villiers; Chris Gayle reacts

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AB de Villiers, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and South Africa legend, has opened up on his first impression of Virat Kohli during a candid conversation with his former IPL teammate Chris Gayle. In the words of de Villiers, Kohli was cocky and arrogant.

In the video posted by RCB on their YouTube channel, Gayle can be seen bursting in laughter at de Villiers' remark. However, the former Protea captain further added that he developed huge respect for Kohli after getting to know him better.

“Oh my goodness...I have had this question before and I had given this answer before as well. I think he was quite cocky and arrogant when I met him the first time. With that hairstyle and he had bit of a strut going...,"De Villiers said.

Gayle, who couldn't stop laughing, quipped, “Flamboyant, was he?”

“Yes absolutely,” replied De Villiers.

”But the minute I got to know him a bit better and watched him play I mean I've got as much respect for him but I got to know him better as a human being. I think he had a barrier around him when I met him the first time.

"That barrier opened up and I got to know the person. I didn't not like him but you know what I'm saying. He's a top person now but first impression was ufff...he's got to come down to earth a bit," he added.

Both de Villiers and Gayle played under Kohli for RCB. Gayle parted ways with the Bengaluru-based franchise after IPL 2017. De Villiers retired from the IPL after the 2021 edition. Kohli, one of the modern day greats of the game, continues to play for RCB but as a player.

The 34-year-old relinquished the RCB captaincy after the conclusion of IPL 2021. He holds the record for most run in a single IPL edition (973) and highest overall score (6411) in the history of the league. The former India captain also holds the record for most hundreds (5) in the IPL.