October 28, 2025 : Former South African batting legend AB de Villiers has once again come out in strong support of his former IPL teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, hitting back at their critics in his characteristic no-nonsense style. Speaking on his YouTube channel after India’s recent performances, De Villiers called out those who, in his words, “come crawling out like cockroaches” whenever either player goes through a rough patch.
The remark — both blunt and evocative — has gone viral across cricket social media circles, sparking debate about how star players are treated in the age of 24/7 commentary and fan scrutiny.
De Villiers’ Unfiltered Support
AB de Villiers, who shared the dressing room with Virat Kohli for nearly a decade at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is known for his deep respect for the Indian duo. “Every time these guys have one or two low scores, the cockroaches come climbing out of the woodwork, questioning their place, their hunger, their ability,” said De Villiers. “It’s unbelievable. These are two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.”
He added that such criticism ignores the immense workload and expectations players like Kohli and Rohit carry. “People forget that they’ve been performing at the top level for over a decade. You don’t just lose that class or passion overnight,” he said.
Context: The Backlash After Consecutive Ducks
De Villiers’ comments came in response to a wave of social media criticism after Virat Kohli registered back-to-back ducks during the ongoing ODI series against Australia. Some fans and analysts questioned whether India should experiment with younger players before the World Cup semifinals, prompting a heated online debate.
Rohit Sharma, too, faced scrutiny for his strike rate in recent matches, despite leading India to a series win. “There’s this impatience now,” De Villiers said. “People are waiting for a reason to jump on them. One off day and suddenly there’s panic.”
A Call For Perspective
De Villiers urged fans to keep perspective, reminding them that even greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Brian Lara went through lean patches. “Form is temporary, class is permanent — we’ve heard it a thousand times because it’s true,” he said. “Virat and Rohit are still match-winners. The way they prepare, the way they think about the game — it’s at another level.”
He also praised Rohit’s captaincy during the 2025 World Cup, noting his calm leadership and attacking mindset. “Rohit’s ability to stay composed even under extreme pressure is something I admire. It rubs off on the rest of the team,” he said.
On Kohli’s Work Ethic and Legacy
De Villiers has often spoken about Kohli’s relentless training discipline and mental toughness. Recalling their time at RCB, he said, “Virat used to bat for hours, then hit the gym, then come back to talk strategy. That kind of commitment doesn’t disappear.”
He also addressed speculation about Kohli’s potential retirement after the World Cup. “People love to create stories. Virat will know when it’s time — and he’ll go out on his own terms, not because the crowd or critics say so.”
Fan Reactions: Applause and Debate
While many fans applauded De Villiers’ fiery defense, some found his “cockroach” analogy too harsh. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “AB speaks facts. Rohit and Kohli deserve respect for what they’ve given Indian cricket.” Another commented, “We love AB, but criticism is part of the game — fans expect consistency from legends.”
Still, the majority of Indian cricket followers seemed to appreciate the former South African captain’s candor. De Villiers has long enjoyed cult-like popularity among Indian fans for his humility, charisma, and long association with the IPL.
The Bigger Picture: Social Media Pressure
The episode also highlights how intense social media scrutiny has become for top cricketers. With millions of followers and fan accounts analyzing every ball, even minor slumps turn into trending controversies.
Cricket psychologist Dr. Sanjay Singh explained, “Players today deal with constant judgment. When every match is broadcast globally and every reaction is instant, criticism multiplies. What AB said reflects a frustration many players feel but rarely express publicly.”
Rohit and Kohli’s Response
Neither Rohit Sharma nor Virat Kohli has directly responded to De Villiers’ remarks, but both have shown through performances that they remain unbothered by outside noise. Kohli returned to form in the following match with a fluent 75, while Rohit anchored India’s chase with a brisk 60.
Their camaraderie was visible too — with Rohit patting Kohli on the back after the latter’s fifty, symbolizing unity amid outside chatter.
De Villiers’ Message to Fans
De Villiers concluded his segment with a message to Indian fans: “You’re lucky to be watching two legends still playing at their peak. Celebrate them while they’re here, because when they’re gone, you’ll realize how special they were.”
As the World Cup intensifies, the conversation sparked by AB de Villiers serves as a reminder of the fine line between passion and pressure in cricket’s modern era — and of how even legends need defending from time to time.
Summary
AB de Villiers slammed critics of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, calling them “cockroaches,” defending the Indian legends against unfair scrutiny and urging fans to appreciate their enduring greatness.