AB de Villiers Admits He Found Virat Kohli Arrogant at First

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers has admitted that his first impression of Virat Kohli was far from flattering. He says the India batting great came across as arrogant and cocky when the two first met. De Villiers, however, clarified that what looked like arrogance was largely the self-confidence of a young cricketer who knew his own worth.

The two share a close friendship built over years as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammates in the Indian Premier League (IPL). De Villiers has often praised Kohli’s skill and character, but he acknowledged that his early view of the Indian star was different. Speaking on a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, he was asked whether he really had considered Kohli arrogant and cocky at the start. He agreed, adding, “Yeah, and I think he’ll agree with that.”

Confidence Mistaken for Arrogance

According to de Villiers, Kohli’s strong belief in his own ability was the main reason for that perception. Between the ages of 19 and 21, the young batter carried an intense self-assurance that, in de Villiers’ view, was necessary for success at the top level. Others, however, could easily misread it as arrogance.

A More Balanced Kohli Emerges

The South African legend also spoke about how Kohli has changed over the years. As he established himself on the international stage, he became more balanced and mature. His earlier need to project extreme confidence gradually faded, giving way to a calmer personality.

The admission offers a rare look at how one of cricket’s most celebrated friendships began. It also shows how first impressions can differ from the person behind them, especially in a sport where self-belief often separates good players from great ones. For fans of both players, the story adds a human layer to a bond that has been one of the IPL’s most enduring.