In anticipation of Rohit Sharma’s Team India facing England in the first Test of a five-match series at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, former India skipper Virat Kohli’s absence has become a focal point. Kohli, having returned to the T20 World Cup, opted to withdraw from the initial two Tests against England due to personal reasons, a decision that he discussed with skipper Rohit Sharma and the team management.
AB de Villiers, the legendary South African cricketer, weighed in on Kohli’s brief exit, expressing that while he is eager to discover the precise reason behind Kohli’s decision, he respects their strong friendship too much to disclose it publicly. De Villiers acknowledged that Kohli might be fatigued after an extensive cricket schedule and hinted at potential family matters as well.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) icon refrained from divulging specific details, emphasizing the importance of Kohli’s friendship. Rajat Patidar, an RCB batter, has stepped in to replace Kohli for the initial two Tests, and though he is uncapped in the longest format, his recent ODI debut against South Africa showcased his potential.
Delving into the upcoming Test series, De Villiers also shared insights on England’s aggressive Bazball style, suggesting that it could prove effective in Indian conditions. He believes that an attacking brand of cricket can work well in challenging conditions, citing instances where aggressive play, even in unfavorable conditions, has yielded positive results.
As cricket enthusiasts await the outcome of this intriguing series, De Villiers’ comments provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among international cricket stars, even when faced with personal decisions affecting their participation in the game.
