AB will be more popular than Sachin, says former SA pacer Fanie de Villiers

FORMER SOUTH AFRICAN fast bowler Fanie de Villiers on Monday said that Proteas skipper AB de Villiers is going to be more popular than Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. 

Fanie, who has played 18 Tests and 83 ODIs for South Africa, wasn't sure if the Proteas could adapt to Indian conditions, but was pleasantly surprised when they won both, the T20I and the ODI series against India. 

In an interview with the Times of India, Fanie spoke about the growing popularity of SA batsman AB de Villiers, and what it means in the context of world cricket. 

"Can I tell you something about AB de Villiers? AB is going to be more popular than Sachin Tendulkar in world cricket. That's the calibre of a person we are talking about; that's the cricketer we are talking about; that's the loveable, marketable player we are talking about. He is in the Sachin Tendulkar category. If you are in the Tendulkar category, when it comes to marketing the game of cricket, you are special."

During the ODI series between South Africa and India, TFG was the first to recognise this trend and did an analysis on why Indians love AB and root for him even when he scores big against us. The Protea captain was cheered every time he neared his century, with fans going "ABD, ABD" just the way they would cheer for Tendulkar with "Sachin, Sachin". 

It may be a bit too early to compare AB to Sachin, simply because of the sheer longevity of Sachin's career that was one of the biggest reasons behind his phenomenal records. But for now, Fanie has voiced the opinion of many who think alike and consider AB even better than Tendulkar.

"You can compare his records with Tendulkar; you feel this guy is even better than Tendulkar in ODIs. You can compare his popularity around the world and at home, he is in the category of Sachin Tendulkar. It's a privilege to be in that class or category on and off the field. He is very much the same as Tendulkar. He hasn't got tattoos, he hasn't got earrings; he hasn't got that flashy image. He is not a fashion freak and all that shows what kind of a character he is."

Asked if he was surprised when the Indian crowd cheered for a player from the opponent team, Fanie said,

"Who else do the Indian public cheer for as much as AB? Not many. AB is that sort of cricketer."

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