From Teammate to Truth-Teller: AB De Villiers’ Reality Check for Indian Greats

South African cricket legend AB de Villiers has voiced strong support for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s decision to appoint Shubman Gill as the new ODI captain, replacing Rohit Sharma ahead of India's tour of Australia. The move, announced on October 4, 2025, marks a strategic transition aimed at building leadership depth for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October to November. De Villiers, a former teammate of Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), emphasised that the change allows the 26-year-old Gill to learn from veterans while signalling that Rohit, 38, and Kohli, 36, must earn their spots through consistent performances.

In a video on his YouTube channel uploaded on October 6, de Villiers described the appointment as "the right move", highlighting Gill's explosive form and leadership potential. "It's not a guarantee both of them [Rohit and Kohli] will be there for that next World Cup. That's maybe part of the thinking when they made Shubman Gill the ODI captain. He has a good chance of being there, young gun, in incredible form and a fantastic leader," de Villiers said. He added that having Rohit and Kohli in the squad would benefit Gill immensely, allowing the young opener—who recently led India to a 2-2 Test series draw against England—to absorb insights from "two of the most experienced Indian players of all time, high-quality, legendary players." This endorsement comes amid fan backlash, with many labelling the decision an "end of an era" following Rohit's successful tenure, which included the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy title and a 75% win rate across 56 ODIs.

De Villiers did not mince words on the challenges facing the Indian duo, expressing uncertainty about their participation in the 2027 tournament. "I think the reason they are hanging on is to play another World Cup for Team India. Whether it's going to happen, I don't know. It will take a lot from them to be there in 2027," he noted, pointing to the rigorous demands of maintaining peak fitness and form over the next two years. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar justified the captaincy shift by citing the need for format consistency and early preparation, given the scarcity of ODIs—only about 20 scheduled before the World Cup. "We've got to score runs, and that should be the message from the selectors," de Villiers stressed, underscoring the intense competition within India's talent pool. He praised the duo's potential value, stating, "It would be a great asset for Team India in the World Cup to have them there. But the priority is to score runs."

Also Read: Is More “Bad News” Coming for Rohit Sharma Fans After ODI Captaincy Change?

The upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia, starting October 19 in Perth, will serve as Rohit and Kohli's first white-ball appearance in over seven months since the Champions Trophy. Both passed mandatory fitness tests, but their inclusion has fuelled speculation about their long-term roles. Rohit, who expressed a desire to feature in the 2027 World Cup in a resurfaced interview, and Kohli will join a squad featuring Gill (captain), Shreyas Iyer (vice-captain), and emerging talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy. As India eyes redemption after the 2023 World Cup final loss, de Villiers' candid advice encapsulates the high stakes: legacy meets meritocracy in the race to the global stage.

Also Read: Gill Takes Charge: A New Leadership Era Begins in Indian Cricket