Top five knocks of the amazing AB de Villiers

4. 43 off 297 balls vs India, 4th Test, Delhi, 2015

If you are ever to coach a youngster about playing spin in the subcontinent, this innings is an example. Although this came in a losing cause, this innings will definitely stand out in his career. After dominating India in the T20Is and ODIs, South Africa was greeted with pitches that turned square in the Test series. They found it tough facing Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who were at the peak of their careers back then. They were already down in the 4-match Test series 0-2 before they played the 4th Test.

The Indian batsmen and bowlers were very dominant throughout the Test match. The Indians scored 334 in the first innings and SA were bowled for just 121 in the first innings. In the second innings, the Indians declared at 267/5 leaving South Africa with almost an impossible target to chase on a pitch that had it all for the spinners. The Proteas had to play an entire day out to save the match and then this knock came from ABD. He showed the world what true resilience was but his efforts fell short as he was dismissed by Ashwin while batting on 43. His strike-rate in that innings was just 14 which is truly shocking.