Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has launched a scathing attack on critics after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli faced unnecessary criticism during India’s three-match ODI series in Australia recently. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been at the helm of Indian cricket for more than a decade, were heavily criticized for only posting a few poor scores Down Under.
The Australian tour did not get off to a good start for both legends. In the first ODI match, Rohit scored just 8 runs and Kohli was dismissed for a duck. In the second match, Rohit struggled and scored 73 runs, but Kohli again went scoreless and India ended up losing the ODI series to Australia 1-2.
AB de Villiers slams critics for targeting Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli after Australia series
For some fans and critics, that was enough. They began to doubt former India captains and question their standing and performance, as if years of excellence could be forgotten overnight. But when the world started eliminating them, Rohit and Kohli answered in the best possible way with the bat.
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In the third and final match of the ODI series, ‘Ro-Ko’ reminded everyone of their class and heritage. Together they built a strong 168-run partnership and completely dominated Australia’s bowling attack in Sydney. Rohit played an amazing unbeaten knock of 121 and Kohli supported him brilliantly with an amazing unbeaten knock of 74.
India’s batting icons combined to effortlessly chase down the target, guiding India to a monumental nine-wicket win and avoiding a debacle in the ODI series in Australia. This was the perfect way to conclude their Australian chapter as they will never return here as players.
I don’t know if I can call them people: AB de Villiers
After the India vs Australia ODI series, AB de Villiers, who played with Kohli and shares a deep bond with the former RCB teammate, was upset to see people trying to bring them down. The Proteas great has expressed how strange it is that some people choose to spread negative opinions when a great player is nearing the final stages of his career.
Mr. de Villiers reminded everyone that they don’t need validation from critics. However, the former South Africa captain said that instead of criticizing, it should be a time to celebrate the countless victories, match-winning innings and moments of joy that Rohit and Kohli have given fans over the years.
AB de Villiers said in a video on his YouTube channel: “I don’t know what a human being is. I don’t know if I can call myself a human being. Cockroaches come out of their holes as soon as a player reaches the end of his career. Why? Why would you want to pour negative energy into a player who gave his life for his country and this beautiful game of cricket? Now is the perfect time to celebrate them.”
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AB de Villiers slams negative opinions on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
He also pointed out that both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, despite their incredible achievements and impact on the world of cricket, have come under a lot of pressure and criticism in recent months, but have continued to perform with the same passion and determination.
De Villiers concluded, “They’ve been getting a lot of criticism over the last few months. People are just trying to push them away for reasons I don’t know. I’m obviously talking about a minority because I think the majority of people admire Rohit and Virat and their amazing careers. And now is a great time to celebrate them again.”