Virat Kohli: A Cricketing Icon Defying Age
In the world of cricket, mid-thirties have frequently been a turning point when legendary players decide to call it quits on their successful careers. Names like Michael Clarke, Shane Bond, Shane Watson, Kieron Pollard, Alex Hales, and Steven Finn have all chosen to bid their farewells at this stage. However, there is one major exception to this tendency, and that exception is none other than Virat Kohli, the respected Indian cricket icon.
AB de Villiers’ Insight: Kohli’s Potential Retirement Plan
Virat Kohli, widely recognized as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, has been the backbone of the Indian cricket team for over a decade. His persistent dedication, incredible consistency, and great talents have cemented his place as a cricketing icon. However, after a nearly 15-year career, it’s normal to contemplate the eventual end of his playing days.
The End of an Era? Kohli’s ODI Career Post-2023
AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli’s close friend and former colleague, brought up an intriguing part of Kohli’s future. He said that after the ICC World Cup in 2023, Kohli may consider retiring from ODIs and T20Is to concentrate on his Test career. De Villiers also praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their strategic decision to rest Kohli on a regular basis in order to retain his energy.
AB de Villiers, who has a close friendship with Virat Kohli and has previously been his teammate, has provided a thought-provoking insight into Kohli’s potential future. According to de Villiers, the season following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup in 2023 could be a watershed moment for Kohli. During this period, Kohli may think about saying goodbye to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in order to focus on his Test cricket career.
De Villiers also praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their smart policy of giving Kohli rest on a regular basis, a move aimed at conserving his energy and endurance for the difficulties ahead.
Also read Kohli Retirement
The Endearing Friendship of Kohli and de Villiers
He said: “I know he loves travelling to South Africa, but it’s very difficult to say. It is a long time away. Let’s focus on this one first, I think that’s what Virat Kohli would tell you. I think if they win this World Cup, it might not be a bad time to say, ‘Thank you very much. I am maybe just going to play Test cricket for the next few years and a little bit of IPL, enjoy the last bit of my career, have enough family time, and say goodbye to everyone.
But he is in incredible shape and is mentally still there. He has been rested from time to time, which I think is a great move. So, I think the hunger and the fire will still be there.”
In the midst of this speculation, an old AB de Villiers interview has resurfaced, shedding light on the close friendship and camaraderie between Kohli and de Villiers during their time as teammates at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Despite de Villiers’ retirement from franchise cricket in 2021, the bond between the two remains strong.
A Friendship Beyond Boundaries
The friendship between these two cricketing giants stretches beyond the cricket pitch. It demonstrates their tremendous regard and admiration for one another. While AB de Villiers has retired from cricket, Virat Kohli remains one of the senior members of the RCB squad in the IPL.
In the world of cricket, where rivalries frequently dominate headlines, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli’s friendship serves as a comforting reminder of the bonds that transcend the game itself. As Kohli’s career enters a crossroads, cricket fans can only speculate on what the future holds for this cricketing legend and his long-standing friendship with AB de Villiers.
Also check Ab deVilliers comment about Mohammad Siraj
