In a sport defined by tradition, technique, and textbook strokes, one man bent the rules of convention to create a new language of batting — AB de Villiers. Nicknamed “Mr. 360”, the South African maestro earned this title not just for flair, but for revolutionizing how cricket could be played in every direction of the ground.

So why exactly do fans and pundits across the globe call him Mr. 360? The answer lies in his incredible ability to hit the ball to every part of the field — from behind the wicket to deep square leg, from third man to long on — like a compass with no limitations. Whether it was a ramp shot over the keeper’s head, a reverse sweep to fine leg, or a straight six on one knee, de Villiers made the cricket field his personal canvas.

AB’s rise to this legendary status wasn’t by accident. He combined textbook technique with outrageous innovation, blending classical cover drives with audacious scoops and flicks that had bowlers scratching their heads. In limited-overs cricket especially, he thrived under pressure, changing the tempo of the game in a matter of deliveries. His fearless mindset allowed him to do what few others dared — invent shots on the go and deliver them with match-winning consistency.

Statistically, the numbers back the nickname. In ODIs, de Villiers scored over 9,500 runs at an average above 50 and a strike rate of nearly 101, one of the best for a player with that volume of runs. He holds the record for the fastest ODI 50 (16 balls), 100 (31 balls), and 150 (64 balls) — a record-breaking spree that stunned the cricketing world and earned him cult-like status.

One of his most memorable “360” moments came during an IPL match for Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he toyed with bowlers like it was a backyard game, launching deliveries over every angle of the boundary. Even Virat Kohli, his long-time RCB teammate and former Indian captain, once said, “AB is the best batsman in the world. I’ve seen him do things no one else can even imagine.”

But what truly made AB de Villiers special — beyond the nickname — was his humility and sportsmanship. Despite his almost superhero-like batting abilities, he remained grounded, respected by teammates and rivals alike. Off the field, he was equally talented — a multi-sport athlete who also excelled in golf, rugby, and tennis.

Even after retirement, the “Mr. 360” legacy lives on. Young cricketers across the globe study his technique, imitate his shots, and aspire to bring the same level of creativity to their game. AB de Villiers didn’t just earn a nickname; he sparked a revolution in modern cricket that continues to inspire the next generation.