AB the best batsman of this generation

Cape Town - India superstar Virat Kohli has paid his Royal Challengers teammate AB de Villiers the ultimate compliment, saying the South African is the best batsman of this generation.

Kohli and De Villiers shared in a mouth-watering partnership of 157 in just 14.3 overs as the Royal Challengers go their IPL campaign of to a good start with a comfortable 45-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Tuesday.

De Villiers smashed 82 off just 42 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes, while Kohli stroked 75 as the two batting kingpins put the bowlers to the sword.

Asked what it's like batting with De Villiers, Kohli told Sony: "It's always wonderful. Last year we had a brilliant partnership as well in Mumbai. He took a bit of pressure off me there.

"I wanted to get off the blocks (fast), but he came in and started hitting the ball like only he can, and showed why he is the best batsman of this generation."

Kohli and his team will next be in action on Sunday at home against the Delhi Daredevils.