Bangalore: This was not an Indian Premier League (IPL) game where he walked out to bat for the city franchisee but a batsman who would counter India, yet, when AB de Villiers started his walk to the crease, around 20,000 fans were shouting 'ABD… ABD' in chorus.


AB de Villiers walks back to the pavilion after being dismissed for 85 on Saturday. Pic/AFP

No wonder the parents seated in the VIP Stands were amazed at the scenes which certainly made them emotional. But then, ABD is a special player, who has crossed the barrier with his skill and goodwill to transform himself from a star cricketer into a loved cricketer as he walked in for his 100th Test match.