IPL 2025: AB De Villiers Praises Virat Kohli’s Calm Approach, Defends Him Against Criticism

March 19, 2025: Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on Virat Kohli’s form and his crucial role for the team in IPL 2025. Speaking on Jio Hotstar, De Villiers praised Kohli for his calm and composed approach while batting in the previous season, stating that he doesn’t think Kohli needs to change much in his game.

De Villiers mentioned that Kohli has been enjoying his cricket, especially during the Champions Trophy, and that his instinctive batting style has been a major asset for RCB. He emphasized that Virat should continue to control the game, as he has been doing for years, and lead RCB’s batting department with his smart cricket. De Villiers also noted that batting with an attacking player like Phil Salt will ease the pressure on Kohli, allowing him to focus on his natural game.

“I do feel RCB has what it takes to go all the way. Virat looked very calm and composed in the last IPL. He seems to be enjoying his cricket, especially in the Champions Trophy, where I can clearly see his joy while batting. I don’t think he needs to change much. Batting with Phil Salt, one of the most attacking players we’ve seen in IPL and other tournaments, will take a lot of pressure off him,” said De Villiers.

De Villiers also spoke about Kohli’s leadership role, suggesting that he should be the “captain of the batting department” this season, helping to maintain stability and guide the team through the constant travel and venue changes, which can sometimes lead to batting collapses.

Additionally, De Villiers addressed the criticism Kohli has faced over the past few seasons, mentioning that while Kohli has been batting incredibly well, outside noise has affected him. Drawing from his own experience, De Villiers acknowledged that all players face criticism, and Kohli, like anyone else, is only human. He encouraged Kohli to focus on the game and continue to play his natural style.

On Kohli’s retirement from international T20 cricket, De Villiers expressed belief that there is still plenty of cricket left in him. He emphasized Kohli’s ability to block out distractions and focus when playing for his team, noting that Kohli’s mindset during the Champions Trophy showed his determination and focus. De Villiers believes that with RCB’s current batting lineup, Kohli will not feel much pressure and can continue to excel in his role.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, in their season opener on Saturday, March 22, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.