Last tour for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? AB de Villiers and Matthew Hayden reflect on India stars | Cricket News
AB de Villiers has shared how special it is to still see Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing for India. The former South African captain, who has been Kohli’s long-time IPL teammate and close friend, spoke at the Launch of Test Twenty, a proposed fourth format of the game. He compared watching Kohli now to seeing Tiger Woods during his comeback years. Despite the uncertainty around their international careers, de Villiers said he is simply happy to watch them in action. “I’m one of those guys who take what I can get,” de Villiers said at the event. “If Tiger Woods comes back and makes a few shots, I’m just happy he’s playing. Same with these two. They know what they still want to achieve; the 2027 World Cup is probably their main target. I just wish them all the success and a fantastic end to their careers, whenever that may finish.”
For former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, also speaking at the Launch of Test Twenty, seeing Kohli and Rohit on the field is reassuring. He understands that their time at the top cannot last forever, but he appreciates the value they bring both as players and mentors. “Having Rohit in the house, having Virat in the house, that is gold. They are not just players, they are mentors in the dugout,” Hayden said. “I hope it is not their last tour, but you cannot play forever. This is more than likely their last trip to Australia, but they will be focused on the 2027 World Cup and that is exactly where their attention should be. I was a little surprised that Rohit was relieved as captain after the Champions Trophy, but it makes sense. Shubman Gill is being groomed and it takes time to build a leader.” At 36, Kohli continues to impress with his hunger, fitness, and skill. Still, there is a quiet understanding among fans, peers, and pundits that the sun may be setting on one of cricket’s greatest careers. If this turns out to be his last Australian summer, Kohli is likely to make it memorable, with fire in his eyes, runs on the board, and one more chapter added to a legacy that refuses to fade.
