AB de Villiers sees a third peak in friend Virat Kohli’s career
AB de Villiers believes Virat Kohli has entered a new level ahead of 2027 World Cup
Indiadailyupdate.com – Virat Kohli’s recent batting surge has convinced AB de Villiers that his longtime Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate is enjoying a remarkable new phase of his career. The former South Africa captain sees the India star approaching the 2027 ODI World Cup with a freedom and attacking confidence that could make him a defining figure in the tournament.
De Villiers described the present stretch as Kohli’s third major peak, placing it alongside the dominant periods he produced between 2012 and 2014, and again from 2016 to 2019. In his view, the difference now lies not only in the runs but also in the way Kohli is choosing to make them.
“It's an incredible run of form. We've seen this kind of form in 2012 to 2014 and then again (from) 2016 to 2019. And now this is like a third peak for him really taking his game to the next level.”
Kohli’s unbeaten 139 against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday offered a sharp illustration of that evolution. The 37-year-old struck nine sixes during the innings, displaying a power-hitting dimension that has become increasingly visible in his current run. For a player long celebrated for his command in run chases, precise placement and relentless running between the wickets, the regularity of those sixes has added another challenge for opponents.
A calmer approach at the crease
For de Villiers, the strongest sign of Kohli’s form is his demeanour rather than any single statistic. He believes Kohli looks less burdened by the need to control every situation and more willing to trust his natural reading of the game. That balance, he feels, is allowing the batter to make clearer decisions under pressure.
“Out there in the middle, you can almost see he’s completely free,” said de Villiers. “Because he's so free, he's making sound decisions out there. He's not so intense. He's not overthinking the game. He's going a lot on gut feel. When Virat plays with his instinct, he's pretty much unstoppable. It's quite scary to think of where this will go and how good and how big of an impact he's going to play for Team India in the 2027 World Cup.”
That assessment carries particular weight because de Villiers spent years alongside Kohli at RCB. Their partnership gave him a close view of Kohli’s competitive intensity, leadership habits and ability to set high standards within a squad. De Villiers is set to play in the World Championship of Legends, which will be streamed on FanCode.
The prospect of Kohli carrying this confidence into 2027 is especially significant for India’s one-day plans. A World Cup campaign requires experience as well as form, and Kohli’s ability to absorb pressure in major matches has been one of the most recognisable features of his international career. His present attacking rhythm could give India an experienced batter capable of adapting his method without losing the consistency that has defined him.
Leadership beyond the captaincy
De Villiers also sees Kohli’s value extending beyond his own contribution with the bat. Although Kohli is no longer India’s captain, he remains a senior presence in the dressing room. De Villiers suggested that this stage of Kohli’s career has brought a greater focus on helping younger teammates and allowing emerging players to learn from sharing the same environment.
That role can matter greatly in a long World Cup build-up. Senior players do not simply provide runs; they also bring perspective during difficult phases, help shape standards in training and offer stability when younger cricketers are introduced to high-pressure international situations. Kohli’s experience across multiple global tournaments makes that influence an important part of his wider contribution.
De Villiers backs Rohit Sharma for 2027
De Villiers believes India should retain another highly experienced campaigner as well. Rohit Sharma, like Kohli, has faced discussion over age and current form, but de Villiers sees little reason to leave him out of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
“From my point of view, I wouldn't go without him,” said de Villiers, 42. “Whether he's in great form now or not is irrelevant. Just the kind of leadership qualities and the belief he instils in the rest of the team is great for the side.”
The argument is rooted in the value of tournament experience. Rohit has led India and played in numerous major international events, while Kohli has been central to India’s batting across several World Cup cycles. De Villiers believes their knowledge, presence and ability to influence a group remain too valuable to overlook.
Questions about fielding mobility are often raised when teams consider senior players, but de Villiers argued that careful field placements can address those concerns. Positions such as mid-off, thirdman and the slips, he said, can be used to maximise a player’s strengths while reducing unnecessary physical demands.
“With the bat in hand and the kind of experience Rohit and Virat come with, it's just huge for a team. It's a no-brainer to me to have both of them in that side leading into 2027.”
India still have time before the 2027 World Cup, and selection will ultimately depend on fitness, performance and the team’s balance closer to the event. But de Villiers’ view is clear: Kohli’s current form suggests he may be adding another chapter to an already exceptional career, while Rohit’s leadership remains a major asset. If both continue to offer what they bring at their best, India would possess two players capable of giving a World Cup campaign both authority and composure.
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