AB de Villiers vs Chris Gayle: Who is the most destructive batter?

In cricket, players display their ability to score runs in different ways. Some players take their time in the crease to score runs, and others take chances from the start, putting pressure on the bowlers. The sport has witnessed two greats who play in quick succession and score runs at a higher strike rate, even before the shorter format became prominent to the world.

West Indies legend Chris Gayle and South African veteran AB de Villiers are the iconic cricketers who transformed T20 cricket and began the trend, scoring quickly in the sport. But that's not all, both the cricketers have been largely successful in the longer formats of the game as well, with several records and impressive stats against their names. Here, let us look at a comparison between the two masters and dive into the stats to find out who is the most destructive batter in all formats.

AB de Villiers vs Chris Gayle: who is the most destructive batter?

T20s

When it comes to T20s, there is no doubt that the Caribbean master dominated the world. Gayle played 463 matches and scored over 14,000 runs. His average and strike-rate in T20s might be lesser than de Villiers, but his presence in the field was always evident. The left-handed batter holds the highest score (175*) in a match while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He also holds the record by a batter who scored the most number of sixes in T20s (1056). According to stats and impact, Gayle is the most destructive batter in the shorter format than de Villiers.

ODIs

The Proteas master’s stats might not be on top over Gayle, but his impact in the 50-over format is slightly heavier. De Villiers held an average of 53.50 in ODIs at the time of his retirement, which is a rare feat, as not many players hold the strong batting rate in the format. The flamboyant batter mostly came to the crease during the middle overs, where fielders would be stationed near the ropes and will have a less chance to score at quick pace. But, he scored runs even at crucial situations and took the team to bigger totals, helping in many run chases.

Tests

The wicketkeeper-batter is also in control of the longest format of the game. He holds an average of 50.66 in the red-ball internationals, scoring over 8000 runs. The red-ball cricket often demanded patience and calmness in the field. But, both the batter scored some serious runs for their nation in the longest format too. In Tests, de Villiers is the most dominant and destructive than the Jamaican. Interestingly, de Villiers is also the only batter with an average of 50-plus in both ODIs and Tests at the time of retirement, with minimum 5000 runs in each format.

Conclusion

In the end, Gayle conquers the T20s and leagues as the most destructive batter, but de Villiers is the dominant force in the One-Dayers and Tests. The statistics might vary, but their impact in the sport will always be cherished and admired by everyone.