AB de Villiers defends Virat Kohli before IPL 2025

AB de Villiers, a former star player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has defended Virat Kohli amid criticism heading into the IPL 2025 season. Kohli, who has retired from international T20I cricket, has faced scrutiny over his performance, particularly regarding his strike rate in previous matches. As the new IPL season approaches, many are watching to see how Kohli will perform. Last year, his tactic of playing conservatively raised concerns, even though he managed to score runs. Critics noted his slower pace during critical games, which contributed to RCB's losses and sparked debate about his ability to compete at the highest level. De Villiers expressed that Kohli often faces unfair criticism. He acknowledged that "outside noise" can affect players, including Kohli. De Villiers emphasized that most athletes, including himself in the past, deal with doubts and external pressures. However, he believes Kohli knows how to focus during crucial moments and rise to the occasion. Despite Kohli’s T20I retirement, De Villiers feels he has much to offer RCB this season. He also highlighted that Kohli now has the freedom to play without added pressure, allowing him to excel. On another note, De Villiers commented on Rajat Patidar's unexpected appointment as RCB captain. He urged Patidar to avoid self-doubt and focus on his unique leadership style. De Villiers believes that Patidar should not try to emulate past captains, including Kohli, but instead trust his capabilities. RCB's upcoming season kicks off on March 22 against the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders. De Villiers noted that keeping Josh Hazlewood fit will be crucial for RCB's chances of success. He expressed confidence in the team's overall balance while pointing out that they need a standout spinner in their lineup.