Melbourne, Jan 14 (IANS): Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has dubbed South Africa captain AB de Villiers the "most valuable cricketer on the planet".

Gilchrist, a three-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner, also tipped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh as one to watch in next month’s tournament.

"(De Villiers’) versatility is extraordinary and he is amazing to watch," Gilchrist said in an TV interview with the ICC Wednesday.

"He’s so inventive, he can play a touch game or a power game. Then, he can also keep wickets. He’s also one of the best fielders in the world and recently has taken some wickets when he had a bowl.

"And he leads his team very well, so, I think he’s the most valuable cricketer around."

Closer to home, Gilchrist tipped Marsh to make a big impact in the tournament alongside teammate and opening batsman David Warner, while he believes Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Test skipper Virat Kohli would also have a big say in the outcome of the tournament.

One month remains until the start of the World Cup, with the opening matches to be played Feb 14 in Melbourne and Christchurch.

"I think next month’s tournament is going to be really exciting," Gilchrist said.

"Conditions, particularly in Australia, are going to be conducive to high scores, entertaining cricket and flamboyant play. In New Zealand, there are more result-based wickets on offer, as there’s normally a bit in them for the bowlers.

"The batsmen might struggle a bit more over there but I think we’re going to see an exciting and a close tournament."