As Team India prepares for the Test series against England without Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers sheds light on Kohli’s decision to opt out of the first two Tests. The batting maestro, who recently returned to the T20 World Cup, cited personal reasons for his brief exit, a move supported by the BCCI.
In an intriguing revelation, AB de Villiers expressed his commitment to maintaining privacy around Kohli’s decision, emphasizing the significance of their friendship. While acknowledging that the exact reasons are yet to surface, De Villiers hinted at factors like fatigue or personal matters that could have influenced Kohli’s call.
“No one knows what has happened yet. If Virat talks about personal reasons, there must be a very good reason for that. Maybe he is also tired. He has been playing a lot of cricket. Could be family stuff. I will find out soon but I won’t tell you guys. His friendship is too important to me,” De Villiers said.
RCB batter Rajat Patidar steps in to fill Kohli’s shoes in the first two Tests, marking his uncapped debut in the longest format. De Villiers refrains from disclosing details but shares insights on England’s aggressive Bazball style, suggesting it could be effective on Indian pitches.
With India’s remarkable Test home record at stake, the absence of Kohli adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming series. De Villiers’ commentary not only highlights the uncertainty surrounding Kohli’s decision but also hints at the potential impact of England’s bold approach in the Test matches on Indian soil.