South African cricketer AB de Villiers (named Mr. 360 for his amazing ability to play all formats of the game) surprised Mumbai fans on Friday with a low-key appearance on Metro Line 3. The former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star was looking casual on Friday wearing a beige t-shirt, shorts, cap and sunglasses.
The superstar's casuality and air-of-humor attracted the attention of his fellow passengers who were delighted to see the superstar walking around like a normal commuter.
De Villiers’s metro photos went viral on social media. His humility, the fans loved and referred to it as “pure class” and a reflection of his humble nature, he had so much to offer despite his worldwide fame. Some pointed out how rare it is for international sports stars to travel alone and de Villiers’ decision to take the metro was a refreshing reminder of the man down to earth side.
Mumbai Metro’s social media account also joined the excitement and posted a cheerful picture of him visiting a “straight drive,” a reference to his cricketing talent. The post expressed his popularity among Indian Premier League (IPL) fans who came to know of him from his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he was part of the team’s first batch.
For commuters, the sight of de Villiers traveling along with them was both surprising and heartwarming. Some passengers took selfies and short videos of the journey with him in the crowd and shared them to show one of cricket's greatest entertainers as if he’s one of the most celebrated cricket’s greatest entertainers had decided to come to Mumbai to see a modern transport system like any other resident in Mumbai.
This casual metro ride made AB de Villiers more charming as a superstar and still an everyday person. Even after 10 years in professional cricket he still has a strong relationship with Indian fans and those moments like these show why he is so loved for his batting genius but also for the manner in which he is humble. His metro journey will be another example of how legends can inspire through simple formality.
