Former South Africa cricketer AB De Villiers has backed India’s decision to include Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to India’s T20 squad in the IND vs AFG series. The Proteas legend said the inclusion of Rohit and Kohli was a step in the right direction ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
BCCI included Rohit and Virat in the squad for the IND vs AFG series after a lot of speculation. The duo had not featured in T20 cricket since the T20 World Cup 2022. Their inclusion in the IND vs AFG T20I series meant they are in India’s plans for the T20 World Cup.
Not surprised at Rohit and Kohli’s inclusion: De Villiers
Speaking to news agency PTI, De Villiers said,
“I am not surprised at all. I am very happy for Virat and Rohit. You want to get your best team out there to win the T20 World Cup. Yes, I understand the criticism out there that youngsters have been missing out and guys who have been playing all the time.”
“I was in a similar position at the back-end of my career and it didn’t work out for me. It’s working out for Virat and Rohit and I think it’s the right move, a smart move as you want your experienced players to be out there and they have been there and done it before and they can try to win World Cup for you,” De Villiers added.
De Villiers also talked about Kohli’s consistency, appreciating him for his ability to maintain a healthy balance between his personal and professional life.
“Virat grew up with cricket in his blood and that keeps him going. Same thing that kept me going and towards the end of my career when fire started burning out that’s when I called it a day. I think he has got a fantastic balance in his life with his family and spends a bit of time with them. He has started managing his career well which I could have done better towards the end of my career,” De Villiers added.
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