Amla’s World XI: Kohli, de Villiers, and Richards Make the Cut

Hashim Amla, the celebrated former South African batter, recently unveiled his choices for the greatest batsmen in cricket history, featuring icons from South Africa, India, and the West Indies.

Currently in England participating in the World Championship of Legends with the South Africa Champions, Amla disclosed his selections during a recent interview.

Reflecting on his early influences, Amla mentioned that he admired numerous cricketers during his formative years, citing Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and Jacques Kallis as his childhood heroes.

Early Inspirations

“Throughout the years, there have been so many. Growing up, my top three players were Brian Lara, Steve Waugh, and Jacques Kallis, especially since I am also from South Africa,” Amla stated.

Modern-Day Greats

Amla nominated Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Sir Vivian Richards as his modern-day legends for a World XI, thus blending both current and classic brilliance.

“Perhaps three further names: in recent times, Virat (Kohli), AB de Villiers, and I would add Sir Vivian Richards from an earlier era,” he elaborated.

Amla is widely considered to be one of South Africa’s finest batsmen. He participated in 124 Tests, 181 ODIs, and 44 T20Is, amassing 18,672 international runs between 2004 and 2019.

His record encompasses 28 Test centuries, highlighted by an unbeaten career-best score of 311 against England at The Oval in 2012, marking the highest individual Test score by a South African.

In ODIs, Amla accumulated 8,113 runs, including a record 27 centuries, the most by any South African in this format. He maintained an average of 49.46 in ODIs and 33.60 in T20Is.

Amla’s international career concluded on August 8, 2019, after his final appearance for South Africa against Bangladesh during the 2019 World Cup.