India’s plans to bring Rohit Sharma and Virat kohli back into the T20 mix has drawn mixed reactions. The duo hasn’t featured in a T20I since the 2022 World Cup and with an assembly line of youngsters pushing for a call, questions have been raised on the relevance of the veteran batters, and whether they still fit in the team.
South Africa batting great AB de Villiers, however, backed the Indian superstars.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the washed out Betway SA20 opener between holders Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings, De Villiers said: “I’m very happy for Virat and Rohit. Their inclusion in the team (for the Afghanistan series) does not come as a surprise to me becuase you want your best team to try and win a World Cup. I understand the criticism because of the youngsters that may be missing out”.
Drawing a parallel with his own international career which ended in 2018, the 39-year-old said, ” I was in a similar position at the backend of my career but it did not work out for me. I’m glad it is working out for Virat and Rohit.”