The Ultimate Crossover That Happened To Exist--

Although cricket and anime seem to be at the opposite ends of the spectrum, let's face the truth there are already several cricketers who are personifications of certain iconic anime characters in and out of the field.

These cricket stars, with their incredible skills and unique playing styles, some of these cricket stars might just be great heroes/villains in a new anime series. Imagine a world where cricket and anime collide, where some cricketers resemble anime heroes and villains alike.

1. Virat Kohli as Naruto Uzumaki

Famous anime character Naruto Uzumaki is a perfect example of somebody with burning passion, drive and never say die attitude. Virat Kohli, star of Indian cricket team same characters in him like those of an Indian cricket teams. Naruto-like perseverance; Kohli has often been painted performing against the odds. His power powered strokeplay, competitive nature and leadership are fitting to turn Naruto. Like Naruto always fighting to be the best, so has Kohli in his journey to become one of the top world cricket player.

2. MS Dhoni as Goku

MS Dhoni, India's erstwhile captain in calmness & strategic mind similar to Dragon Ball Z character Goku. Just like Goku the God warrior that can always maintain his cool under pressure and continue striving for self development in every aspect; Dhoni's coolness on field is the real thing. To me, the way Dhoni leads the team under stress particularly in the death overs is very much like Goku leading from front in climax battles. Moreover, they are both equally humble folks who will always back it up with their actions.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

 AB de villiers the instable cricketer of South Africa who bats in the extreme end, similar to Odessey and the Sea Monkey D. Luffy from one piece in the qualities he is full creative, adventurous and has zero regard for the known methods as he always surprises our opponents with his own take on fighting. Like Luffy at the sea — AB de Villiers with his form changing play continues to bring unpredictability and sheer fun to cricket.

ALSO READ:-Cricket who are the Goku, Naruto and Luffy?

4. Kane Williamson as Sasuke Uchiha

Kane Williamson, current captain of New Zealand's cricket team bears resemblance to Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto. They are both very collected and reflective by nature — both characters. Although Williamson's classed calm determination and high school baseball helps come the mental approach of Sasuke and his concentration in high stake moments makes them equal tough players. Sasuke is really no different than the New-standards Williamson is up against in international hockey.

5.Chris Gayle as All Might

All Might from my hero academia, the super hero in Homura's ring so it has to be the West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle West Indian super-batting macho man bakabombay Gayle with his massive sixes has an All Might like handsome with cruelty personality in real world. Both have their place in the hearts of fans, one for the confidence Gayle some how manages too deliver when it’s time. Gayle and All Might just blow away in their respective stories like demolition in real life.

There are some incredible cricket players, and no surprise their fans love to compare them to popular anime characters. Comparisons gives you about the qualities in a player like their strength determination and style. So who do you think might be Goku, Naruto and Luffy of this cricket world?

1.MS Dhoni Goku

Goku is strong and has the cool head in the face of danger, leader of Dragon Ball Z. MS Dhoni as per GokuSimilar. He is the heart and soul of India, many victories under his cool and calculated leadership. Dhoni always remains calm under pressure with a mentality that us Goku in every battle. If India faces problem Dhoni come out and win the match for his team, same like Goku solve any problems.

2.Virat Kohli as Naruto

The Naruto Signature over here; Hard work, dedication and determination. He never dies, when the heat is turned up high. Virat Kohli of many ways resembles Naruto. He trains hard everyday and plays very hard too, always striving to get better. Virat Kohli's journey in cricket teaches us just like Naruto became a one and only strong ninja with the right amount of dedication and hard work. A perfect Naruto, Kohli’s on field intensity and fire with the guy.

3.AB de Villiers as Luffy

One Piece's Luffy is a character who loves adventure. He is always up for a challenge and loves every bit of it. AB de Villiers is similar to Luffy when he plays cricket. With his aggressive batting style, de Villiers loves to play the game on the front foot and thrill the crowd. He is always ready to experiment with new things, as Luffy does in pursuit of adventure. Whether he is smashing huge sixes or facing challenging bowling attacks, AB de Villiers is always up for the challenge, as is Luffy's never-ending adventures.

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If cricket were a chess game, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Ricky Ponting would be the Grandmasters. With their smart thinking, quick decisions, and great skills, they would always be one step forward.

5. Virat Kohli – The Aggressive Player

Virat Kohli is a very Aggressive Player always focused and ready to face any situation in the game. He is known for putting pressure on the opposition and taking very aggressive steps according to the situation. His bold style makes him a challenging player, how quickly he thinks and makes decisions in the game. Kohli plays the game with so much passion, but his aggressive and clever thinking helps him take to control when it matters. He's always planning his next move and plans about what he can do in the field like chess players who can understand the next step of opponents.

4.AB de Villiers – The  Genius player

AB de Villiers(360 players) was a magician with the bat, he played all along the ground. His shots show that no one else can play that shot or even imagine, always keeping bowlers on edge. His ability to adapt to any situation and take new ideas made him unpredictable and hard to know what shot he could play in the game. De Villiers was a master of reading the ball and game and everyone knows with his creativity he played all over the ground and had unbelievable shots. Like a chess player who can't think about his clever moves, AB de Villiers is a very Genius player.

3. Ricky Ponting – The Bold tactical player

Ricky Ponting was never afraid to take risks in the game like a Bold tactical player, and that’s why he made him such a smart player, other teams were afraid of him for making very bold decisions. His decisions are quick bowling changes and aggressive field setting to confuse the other teams. His batting approach was always aggressive, he knew when to play hard and when to pull back according to the situation. Ponting’s Captaincy and his ability to make bold decisions made him one of the best captains ever. His boldness and strategy made him a  Bold tactical player on the field.

2. MS Dhoni – The Calm Strategic Player

Former Indian Team Captain MS Dhoni is known for staying cool and calm in the toughest situations. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure. His clever field settings and strategy make him confident in making strategic decisions. As a captain, his strategic mind and his cool nature helped India to win so many times, Other teams were confused about what just happened. His calmness and Strategic mind made him a true master of the game.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Planner

Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster for India, is the perfect example of a player who always thinks according to the game like a Master Planner. He didn’t just play the game; he understood it deeply, and then according to that he approached. Whether he was building an innings or attacking bowlers, Sachin always had a plan about what he was doing every time. His ability to read the ball and focused mind allowed him to think about the game. His intelligence and patience made him a true legend, He is always planning ahead of his opponents.

Sehwag, who is a legends of the game himself, called Kohli his favourite batter due to his knack to chase targets. "Kohli is a master of chases “, Sehwag said. He is very good in chases and he seems to get the job done every time."

Why Kohli Pipped the Master Blaster?

Sehwag has a lot of respect for Tendulkar but he has ranked Kohli as No. 1 for his consistency and match-winning ability along with the phenomenal record Kohli has in ODIs.

The Indian trails No. 1 Sehwag, who is hailed as the greatest ever batter. “It’s because Tendulkar is my idol,” Sehwag said. “He is my biggest batman I have ever seen. He taught me a lot about how aggressive you can be up there at the top of the order."

At No. 3, Sehwag chose former Pakistan middle-order batter Inzamam-ul-Haq, who reigned in the 1990s and 2000s. His top two were Indian batters — Sachin Tendulkar at No. 2 and Virat Kohli at No. 1.

The rest of the three batters on Sehwag's shortlist are:
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq
4. AB de Villiers
5. chris Gayle

"All these batters are legends, Sehwag said. “They all have a legacy in ODI cricket.”
Virender Sehwag has jaw-dropping stats of his five ODI batters. Sachin Tendulkar is still the leading run-scorer in ODI as he amassed 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23 across 463 matches. Now the guy with the more hundreds than anyone (50) in limited-overs cricket is Virat Kohli with 13,963 runs at an average of 57.93 with a strike rate of 93.52 in 297 matches. Seventh on 11,739 runs at 39.52 and strike rate of 74.24 in 378 matches. The only batsman to have scored 9,577 runs at an average over 50 and a strike rate over 100 or above is AB de Villiers, who had 228 ODIs with an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 101.09. Gale who was an explosive batter scored 10,480 runs in ODIs at an average of 37.83 at a strike rate of 87.19.

Kohli takes top spot, Tendulkar at No. 2 🤯@virendersehwag reveals his Top 5 ODI batters 🔥

Watch now 👉🏼 pic.twitter.com/3qIf1nmlDN

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 17, 2025

Sehwag's statement will invite controversy but only proves the greatness of both Kohli and Sachin. Both batters have achieved incredible things in ODI cricket and they are both deserving of a place in any all-time list.

Also Read : Indian Flag Missing at Pakistan Venue, Controversy Erupts

Road to the Final: IPL 2025 Playoffs Set to Ignite

AB de Villiers: Playing in 2025 WCL

Now, AB de Villiers most recognisable and cherished Test cricketers we have in this era of ageing, has been away from international cricket since he stepped down in 2018. Out of the South Africa's national team during his retirement caused a wasteland in the world of cricket because his unusual method of striking and the style attracted a lot of the cricket crazies all over with left to right sweeps. Yet, there have been some rumors and speculation in recent months about a return to competitive cricket, in 2025.

So far, we know what is known: AB de Villiers comes back
Since his retirement, AB de Villiers who was questioned about the possibility of return to test cricket and every time has left the door open and stated that he will come back when everything makes sense.Now with nothing but 2025 coming up, there is a fresh revival on the possibility of his comeback.

It has been de Villiers may turn up in a few high profile leagues or cup competitions to re-establish himself as competitive cricket player. De Villiers was also linked to the World Champions League (WCL), a brand new cricket league that was probably created on paper merely as a potential tournament in which veteran stars could compete. The WCL would include some of the best cricketers on the planet, past their peak heyday and show impression on international spectators as well.

ALSO READ:The Rise of the Young Guns: How Newcomers Dominated IPL!

The World Champions League: a new chapter in the world of cricket
The WCL is also causing quite a stir, even though there are still a lot of clouds over this structure of the international game; such an idea has raised a lot of attention. Provided the opportunity, perhaps de Villiers can play again using this platform against some of the best players of cricket in the world.
Now still officially a work in progress with no official format nor teams announced, the league seems to be wrestling with how to create another IPL/shadowing leagues that are largely international in scope.
It is likely that the WCL will mix current stars and legends in a really cool caliber of youth with experience.

It’s official. I will be playing for the South African team @WCLSAChampions in the upcoming @WclLeague 2025! 🌟

Mark your calendars: the tournament runs from 18th July to 2nd August.

Can’t wait to renew rivalry with so many legends from five other countries. I’m heading to the… pic.twitter.com/4GnUwdP8LB

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 28, 2025

Former South African cricketer and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) legend, AB de Villiers, recently talked about the captaincy situation for the 2025 IPL season. On his YouTube channel, "AB de Villiers 360," he shared his thoughts on RCB’s search for a new captain. With Faf du Plessis now part of the Delhi Capitals squad, RCB has not yet announced their captain for this year. De Villiers believes Virat Kohli is the best option to return as captain.

Also read: "I Might Still Play One Day"—AB de Villiers Hints at a Comeback to Cricket

The question asked AB de Villiers about Virat Kohli taking on the captaincy role again. De Villiers believes that RCB doesn't have many options for leadership, so it's a good choice for Virat to return as captain. From Virat's perspective, it makes sense, as he doesn't have many years left in his career, and he is hungry for this game like never before. De Villiers feels it would be a perfect way for Virat to finish his career and would be happy to see it happen.

“Friends, I think Virat Kohli is the only option for RCB’s captaincy this year. He is near the end of his career, more inspired than ever before. Till the time he gets the form and scores runs, we are used to watching him play match-winning innings. It's like a swan song."

Virat last captained in the 2021 IPL season. After that, the T20 World Cup 2021 was a disappointment, and India performed poorly, failing to qualify for the semifinals. Following this, Virat decided to step down as India's captain. The next season, he also chose not to captain RCB in the IPL. From 2022 to 2024, Faf du Plessis took over as captain. This year, with du Plessis now at Delhi Capitals, RCB might bring Virat back as their captain.

Also Read: Suresh Raina Calls Shubman Gill the Next Virat Kohli and Says About Rohit Sharma, 'I Hope He Will...'"

AB de Villiers also talked about Rishabh Pant being appointed as the new captain of LSG for the 2025 IPL season. De Villiers feels that Pant's personality will bring energy and a positive approach to the team, which will reflect in his leadership as well, helping him become a great captain.

"It's a great choice and a good step for the franchise. We all know what Rishabh brings to the table—immense energy, excitement, and match-winning performances.

Rishabh Pant was appointed the new captain of Lucknow Super Giants, replacing their former captain, KL Rahul. Before this, Pant had led Delhi Capitals in the 2021, 2022, and 2024 seasons. For IPL 2025, he will be the captain of LSG.

In a recent interview, AB de Villiers shared thoughts about a possible return to cricket, bringing excitement to fans. The South African cricketer, known as a legend of the game, is admired for his incredible performances and ability to excel in all formats. Famous for his creative shots, earning him the nickname "360-degree player," de Villiers had an impressive international career that spanned 14 years, from 2004 to 2018, retiring from international cricket at the age of 34. He continued to play in leagues like the IPL until 2021. His recent statement has given fans hope of seeing him back on the field.

AB de Villiers has said that while there's no confirmation yet, he might play cricket again one day. His kids—Abraham, John, and Yente—have been encouraging him to get back into the game. He mentioned that he might join them in the nets and play some casual cricket, but not at the professional level like the IPL or SA tours. De Villiers explained that he’s done with the pressure of high-level cricket and now just wants to enjoy the game with his kids.

Also Read: BCCI Questions Sanju Samson's Commitment: “Why Didn’t You Join the Camp If KCA Asked You To?”

He made it clear that he’s not considering a return to major tournaments like the IPL. Instead, he’s focused on enjoying a more relaxed experience, where he can play without pressure. His aim is to reconnect with his love for cricket in a casual setting, simply for the joy of it.

When you realise you’ve been well and truly stumped by @ABdeVilliers17! I wasn’t expecting this. Don’t miss our full chat:
🎥 https://t.co/6seW3XjMy1
📻 https://t.co/q1nVLTNrat pic.twitter.com/AhTOPRclD2

— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) January 21, 2025

In 2024, AB de Villiers was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, and back in 2019, he was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Decade (2010-2020), alongside cricketing legends like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Dale Steyn, and Ellyse Perry. Throughout his career, de Villiers established himself as one of the game's greatest players. His remarkable record includes the fastest ODI century in 2015 against the West Indies, where he also set the record for the fastest fifty in ODI cricket, achieving it in just 16 balls during the same innings. In total, he scored 22 centuries in Test cricket and 25 in ODIs.

Also Read: Steve Smith sustains an injury to his elbow ahead of the Sri Lanka Tour

AB de Villiers has scored over 20,000 international runs in his career and played 114 Test matches, making him one of the finest cricketers ever. Known for his exceptional skill and versatility, he has an average of over 50 in both Test cricket and ODIs. Throughout his career, he has consistently been regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time due to his remarkable records and match-winning performances across formats.

In a surprising turn of events, the former South African batting legend AB de Villiers wants to rewind the clock and rediscover his passion for cricket. The batting maestro also expresses his desire to return to competitive cricket. However, de Villiers wants to refrain from competing in professional leagues such as IPL or SA20 ensuring he does not raise false hopes among his fans.

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So what made de Villiers revisit his cricketing gear?

The 40-year-old has been a part of multiple trips to training sessions with his children of late. It is due to these trips his passion for cricket got re-ignited. AB de Villiers further added that his kids have also been exerting pressure on him to play. The South African batting legend last featured in an international fixture for South Africa in March 2018 and has not played competitive cricket since the IPL 2021 season when he announced retirement from all forms of cricket.

During his conversation with journalist Melinda Farrell on Running Between The Wickets show, the 40-year-old made the massive revelation that he could play cricket someday again.

"I might still play cricket one day. No confirmation whatsoever, but I am starting to feel it. My kids are putting me under a bit of pressure, and I feel like I could go to the nets with them. If I enjoy it, maybe I will walk out and play a little bit of casual cricket somewhere again—nothing professional like the IPL or South African tours."

Is a comeback for AB de Villiers on the cards?

De Villiers has offered keen interest in taking up coaching roles and has dropped hints of a potential association with RCB which has yet to materialise. Being a brand ambassador for the third season of SA20, de Villiers has been away from the grand scheme of things in cricket and reportedly spends quality time with his friends and family. 

While there are growing amount of speculation to suggest that de Villiers could restart his professional cricketing career with RCB, de Villiers himself admits that he does not want to be under that kind of pressure again and wants to pursue the game for fun purposes.

"Nothing serious, though. We’re not talking about RCB and the big stuff. I don’t want to feel that pressure again. That’s the thing. So, wherever I go, I will have a bit of fun."

Former South African player AB de Villiers shared his gratitude to star India batter Virat Kohli for his ‘kind words’ after being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame along with legendary England batter Alastair Cook and former Indian women’s cricketer Neetu David.

However, Kohli and AB de Villiers played together for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and shared a lot of match-winning partnerships in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After De Villiers became a part of the elite list of cricketers in the ICC Hall of Fame, Kohli referred to him as “the most talented cricketer I have played with".

AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli played together for RCB

Meanwhile, AB de Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, and last played in the IPL back in 2021, thanked Virat Kohli for his gesture. He also shared that rather than his records, he always wanted to be remembered as a player for whom the team was more important rather than personal milestones as well.

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“It is really special for me" - AB de Villiers

“It is really special for me and obviously Virat as well, thank you so very much for the kind words. What I am really proud about is Virat speaking about me always putting the team first,” De Villiers said, as quoted by ICC.

“Always prepared to do everything I can to have an impact on the team. And that’s how I want to be remembered by, not by my stats or my records. I want to be remembered as a guy who contributed to the team and always put the team first. I am very, very proud about that and I will not shy away from that. That is certainly the way I played my cricket and it was always a priority to me,” AB de Villiers further added.

However, after making his debut way back in 2005, AB de Villiers became one of the greatest cricketers of world cricket as well. In 538 matches across formats for South Africa, he smashed 16 centuries and 108 half-centuries as well.

Neetu David, Alastair Cook, and AB de Villiers have been inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. They are the 113th, 114th, and 115th members of the club.

Former Indian left-arm Spinner Neetu David, who featured in 10 Tests and 97 ODIs became the second Indian woman after Diana Edulji to be part of the ICC Hall of Fame. David is the second-highest wicket-taker for India in women's ODI cricket with 141 scalps and was also the first female player from India to claim 100 ODI wickets. She still holds the record for the best bowling figures in a women's Test innings, taking 8/53 against England in 1995. More recently, she has continued her deep connection with cricket, serving as the selection chair for India’s women’s team. David won the role in September 2020 and had to oversee the transition of an Indian team that had to usher in some young talent following the retirements of former greats Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami. David has been partly responsible for the growth of current India stars like Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh as they have established themselves at an international level while continuing to look for ways off the field to boost the performance of the national side.

Neetu David on being inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is truly an honour to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame, something that I consider to be the highest recognition available to anyone who puts on their national team jersey," David said in an ICC statement. "This comes after a lifetime of dedication to this great sport, and it caps a very special journey for me to get to this point. I would like to thank the ICC for the recognition, as well as all the BCCI, my teammates, coaches, family, and friends that were a constant source of support throughout my career."

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England's batter was the leading run-scorer and century-maker until recently after being surpassed by Joe Root. He amassed 766 runs in just seven innings during England's first Ashes victory in Australia in 24 years in the 2010-11 series and went on to captain England to two consecutive home Ashes wins in 2013 and 2015. Also, he was the reason behind England's first Test Series victory in 28 years in India in 2012.

Alastair Cook after joining the ICC Hall of Fame

"It is a huge honour to join some of the greatest players to have ever played the game," Cook said. "I have always felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play for Essex and England and so to have this latest honour given to me just makes it all the more special."

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AB De Villiers set the record for the fastest 50, 100, 150 in ODI Cricket. He amassed over 20,000 runs in international cricket. Also, he was part of their semi-final appearances in 2007 and 2015 ODI World Cup. He retired from internationals in 2018 with an average of over 50 in Tests and ODIs.

AB De Villiers thanks ICC and all the supporters after being introduced in the ICC Hall of Fame

"Cricket is often described as an individual sport within a team game … and it's true that, whether you are a batsman taking guard at the crease or a bowler pausing at the start of his run-up, you - and only you - are responsible for what happens," de Villiers said. "That said, everyone who plays cricket understands it is, in spirit, a team game. And I know I would have achieved nothing without the help and support of so many team-mates, coaches, and support staff from my early days at school in Pretoria, through so many memorable days at the Titans and with the South Africa team - and, indeed in franchise cricket - all around the world. To all of them, to the ICC, and supporters around the world, thank you."