Dubai: Australia's three-time World Cup winner Adam Gilchrist has heaped praise on South Africa captain AB de Villiers, describing him as the "most valuable cricketer on the planet".

"De Villiers is the most valuable cricketer on the planet. His versatility is extraordinary and he is amazing to watch," said Gilchrist, who is sixth in the list of leading run-getters in the history of World Cup and with 52 dismissals is the most successful wicketkeeper.