Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

AB de Villiers’ autobiography gets huge pre-launch response in India

South African cricket superstar AB de Villiers said he is “incredibly humbled” by the huge response his autobiography has been getting in India even before its launch next week.

Asked about his popularity among Indian cricket fans during the launch event of AB – The Autobiography in Johannesburg, de Villiers said he had never expected the kind of response he gets in India every time he plays there.


“It was probably the most humbling experience of my life walking out there in the final ODI against India at Wankhede Stadium (in 2015),” de Villiers said.

“I walked out there to bat and the entire crowd was cheering and chanting ‘AB! AB!’ so loud that I could not even hear myself talk.

“It was happening in the whole series, but then it hit me really hard that I was very far away from home and the people were supporting me like I was their own, yet I was playing against their own,” he added.

The managing director of publishers Pan McMillan, Terry Morris, said: “We always knew that AB’s autobiography and the reception to it in South Africa would be overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic, but we weren’t prepared for the response from the subcontinent.

“No sooner had AB tweeted almost a year ago about the cover shoot and the Pan McMillan South Africa Twitter handle was trending in India.”

“The book rose to Number 35 on the Amazon India charts last week based on pre-publication orders ahead of its launch in the country next week,” Morris added.

Confirming de Villiers’ popularity in India, former Proteas cricketer and Mumbai Indians consultant Jonty Rhodes wrote in the foreword of the book: “I had heard an Indian crowd chant before, but not like this. It was freaky.”

In a chapter titled Inspired by India, de Villiers wrote, “This great country has provided me with so many opportunities and has become so important in my career.”

Commenting on his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL), de Villiers explained how the tournament has changed the game forever, as players who were used to being rivals on the international stage became friends and teammates.

But he was “embarrassed” about the price Vijay Mallya paid for him to play in the Royal Bangalore Challengers franchise in January 2011.

“A few well-timed performances… may have increased my value, but whatever the reason, I was surprised and, frankly, a little embarrassed when the list of annual player salaries was published after the auction and $1.1 million appeared beside my name,” de Villiers wrote.

“The IPL will surely continue to grow and develop, leading the evolution of the game in many respects, and I hope to participate for a few more years…not least because, taking into account the size of the crowds, the noise and the atmosphere, the most inspiring place to play cricket is India,” he said in the concluding chapter of his book.

AB – The Autobiography will also be launched in Australia and England later this month.

More For You

Bengaluru youth train at Spurs

Kickstart players at at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground.

Bengaluru youth train at Spurs as part of development partnership

A GROUP of young footballers from Bengaluru trained at Tottenham Hotspur’s facilities in London this week as part of the club’s partnership with Kickstart FC.

The visit included technical training sessions delivered by Tottenham's Global Football Development coaches, health and nutrition workshops, and matches against grassroots teams in the UK. Former Spurs captain Ledley King conducted a coaching masterclass during the programme.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less
Akash-Deep-Getty

Akash Deep gave away 12 runs in his first over but returned to bowl a double-wicket maiden in his second. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

England in trouble after Gill’s double century and Akash Deep’s early strikes

INDIA captain Shubman Gill scored his first Test double century as India posted 587 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. England were 77-3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs.

Gill’s 269 was the foundation of India’s innings, before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep removed two England batters in consecutive balls. Deep is playing in this match as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is being rested. Bumrah is set to play only three of the five matches in this series due to a back injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
Novak Djokovic

His pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace

Getty Images

Novak Djokovic cruising as seeded players recover at Wimbledon

Summary

  • Sinner cruises through to third round
  • Draper stunned by inspired Cilic
  • Sixth-seeded Serbian swats aside home favourite Evans
  • Holder Krejcikova battles past American Dolehide
  • Rybakina and Swiatek both progress into third round

Novak Djokovic showed signs that he is easing into the old routine at Wimbledon as the seven-times champion sauntered into the third round on Thursday while Barbora Krejcikova also made it through as her title defence continued.

World number one Jannik Sinner also eased into round three as his pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace, the Italian thrashing Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Keep ReadingShow less
IND vs ENG

Shree Charani of India (2R) celebrates the wicket of Amy Jones during the 2nd women's T20 match between England and India in Bristol on July 1, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India look to clinch maiden women's T20I series win against England

INDIA will look to secure their first women’s T20I series win over England when they play the third match of the five-game series on Friday. India currently lead the series 2-0.

England will be without their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has been ruled out of the match due to a left groin injury.

Keep ReadingShow less