AB de Villiers Urges Fans to Celebrate Rohit and Kohli, Not Tear Them Down

Former South African cricket icon AB de Villiers launched a scathing defence of Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli on October 28, 2025, branding their critics as "cockroaches climbing out of their holes". Speaking during a live session on his Facebook account, de Villiers expressed outrage at the persistent negativity directed toward the veteran duo, particularly as they approach the latter stages of their illustrious careers. He urged fans and commentators to celebrate the players' monumental contributions to Indian cricket rather than fuel unfounded criticism, especially ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup planning.

The backlash from de Villiers follows Rohit and Kohli's standout performances in the recent ODI series against Australia in Sydney. Rohit, the Indian captain, silenced doubters with a century in the third match after a half-century in the second, while Kohli overcame two consecutive ducks to post an unbeaten 74. These knocks have secured their spots in the upcoming home ODI series against South Africa and reaffirmed their value to the team. De Villiers highlighted the duo's sacrifices, questioning why a vocal minority insists on "pouring negative energy" into players who have dedicated their lives to the sport and their country.

De Villiers emphasised that the criticism represents only a small fraction of public opinion, with the majority of fans continuing to revere Rohit and Kohli for their extraordinary records. Rohit has led India to multiple titles, including the 2024 T20 World Cup, while Kohli remains the fastest to 13,000 ODI runs and a key figure in India's 2011 World Cup triumph. "This is the perfect time to celebrate them," de Villiers insisted, decrying the trend of targeting ageing stars as counterproductive and disrespectful to cricket's legends.

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The episode underscores broader debates within Indian cricket about transitioning to younger talent without prematurely discarding proven performers. De Villiers' blunt analogy drew widespread attention on social media, resonating with supporters who view Rohit and Kohli as irreplaceable assets. As India builds toward future tournaments, his call for positivity serves as a reminder of the duo's enduring impact on the global game.

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