AB de Villiers comes in support of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli
Former South African captain AB de Villiers has strongly defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, lashing out at their critics and even comparing them to “cockroaches” who emerge only when things go slightly wrong. De Villiers expressed disbelief at how quickly some fans and analysts begin to question the abilities of two of India’s greatest modern cricketers as they approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers. He emphasized that both Kohli and Rohit have achieved extraordinary success over the years and deserve far more respect and patience. According to De Villiers, great players often go through brief lean patches, but their class and experience ensure they bounce back stronger.
Kohli and Rohit recently returned to international cricket after a seven-month break during the three-match India vs Australia ODI series. While Kohli failed to score in the first two games, he responded in style with an unbeaten 74 off 81 balls in the third ODI. Rohit, on the other hand, showcased his trademark consistency and dominance, scoring a half-century in the second match and a brilliant century in the final game to claim the Player of the Series award, a fitting reply to those doubting their form and hunger.
"I don't what it is about people. I don't know if I can call them people. Cockroaches climbling out of their holes as soon as players get towards the backend of their careers. Why? Why do you want to pour negative energy into players that have given their lives for their country and this beautiful game of cricket. This is the perfect time to celebrate them," stated former South African captain AB de Villiers.
AB de Villiers acknowledged that both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have faced their share of criticism in recent times but believes that such detractors represent only a small fraction of the cricketing audience. The former South African skipper, who has shared dressing rooms and long-standing friendships with both players, emphasized that the vast majority of fans continue to admire and respect their immense contributions to Indian cricket.
De Villiers urged critics to shift their focus from fault-finding to celebrating the extraordinary careers of the two modern greats. He highlighted how Rohit and Kohli have inspired millions through their consistency, leadership, and passion for the game, reminding everyone that legends of their stature deserve appreciation, not undue scrutiny, especially as they near the twilight of their careers.
According to De Villiers, such players should be honored for setting benchmarks in professionalism and excellence, shaping India’s dominance across formats. He added that their experience remains invaluable to the national setup as India continues to build toward future challenges. Both Kohli and Rohit are expected to return to action later this month, when India hosts South Africa in a three-match ODI series beginning on November 30 - a stage perfectly set for another masterclass from the iconic duo.
"They have taken a lot of criticism in the last few months. Everyone is just trying to push them down for what reason I have no idea. Obviously, I am referreing to the minority becase I think the majority of people celebrate Rohit and Virat and their incredible careers. And it is a fantastic time to celebrate them once again," de Villiers added.
