South Africa legend AB de Villiers recently said that he misses his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli in Test cricket. De Villiers stated that Kohli’s absence in red-ball cricket is felt by both him and the Indian team, adding that fans can still enjoy his presence in white-ball formats.
AB de Villiers shares his long-standing friendship with Virat Kohli, both on and off the cricket field. The duo recently celebrated together as the Royal Challengers clinched the IPL 2025 title. Kohli and de Villiers played together for RCB for over a decade and created many memorable partnerships on the field.
We and India Always Miss Virat Kohli in Test Cricket – AB de Villiers
Speaking to News24, AB de Villiers said that he and the Indian team miss Kohli in Test cricket. He added that fans can still enjoy his batting in white-ball formats for years to come.
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“We and India always miss Virat Kohli in Test Cricket. He’s big friend of mine. I even miss watching him play red ball cricket but at least he’s still there in white ball format and hopefully many more years to come,” de Villiers said.
De Villiers amassed 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs at an average of 53.50, including 25 centuries and 53 fifties. The batter scored 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is at a strike rate of 135.16, with 10 half-centuries. He also scored 8,756 runs in 114 Tests at an average of 50.66, including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries.
Virat Kohli Retired from Test Cricket Ahead of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
Virat Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston on June 20, 2011. He amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli decided to step away from red-ball cricket ahead of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
The Delhi-born cricketer also captained India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins, including the historic series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Under his leadership, India reached the ICC World Test Championship final in 2021 but lost to New Zealand by seven wickets.
Kohli retired from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. The 36-year-old batter will focus solely on ODIs and is expected to be next seen in action during the upcoming Australia tour in October.
Shubman Gill Had Big Boots to Fill – AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers praised Shubman Gill for his remarkable performance. The former cricketer stated that Gill faced immense pressure stepping into big roles with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent.
“Shubman was incredible. He had big boots to fill, with lots of pressure, as Virat and Rohit were not there anymore. But for a young man to step up like that on an uncomfortable tour to England, it’s never easy. It was very impressive the way he came through,” de Villiers added.
Shubman Gill replaced Rohit Sharma as Test skipper ahead of the England tour. The young batter guided the team to a 2-2 draw despite an unexpected squad.
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