Yes, you heard it right! AB de Villiers is scared of Virat Kohli. Now, you must be wondering how this is even possible. After all, the two are very good friends and share a special bond from their days together at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. So why would AB de Villiers, one of the most destructive batters cricket has ever seen, be scared of his own close friend?
Well, the former South African captain made a surprising statement during an interview with Sports Today. And when you understand what he actually meant, you will realise just how highly he rates the current version of Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s 2026 Performance Explains Why AB de Villiers Is So Impressed
Virat Kohli is currently enjoying another remarkable phase of his ODI career. What makes his performances even more special is that he has combined his trademark consistency with a much more aggressive batting approach.
In 2026, Kohli has scored 552 runs in 9 ODI matches at an average of 78.86 and a strike rate of approximately 118. He has also registered two centuries and three half-centuries.
| VIRAT KOHLI — ODI PERFORMANCE IN 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Runs: 552 | Average: 78.86 | Strike rate: ~118 |
| Matches: 9 | Centuries: 2 | Fifties: 3 |
His unbeaten 139 off just 88 balls against West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram was a perfect example of this transformation. Kohli smashed nine sixes and ten fours while helping India successfully chase 296 runs.
Earlier in the year, he also scored 124 against New Zealand and played important innings of 93 against New Zealand and 74 against England.
For a player who built his reputation around consistency, calculated risks and controlling ODI run chases, maintaining such a high average while scoring at nearly 118 runs per 100 balls is an extraordinary combination.
AB de Villiers Believes This Version of Virat Kohli Is Better Than His Prime
During his conversation with Sports Today, AB de Villiers explained that Kohli appears more relaxed and mentally free than ever before.
The South African legend, who witnessed Kohli’s incredible batting during his famous 2016 season, believes the current version could be even better.
According to de Villiers, Kohli is no longer putting unnecessary pressure on himself. Instead of overthinking every situation, he is trusting his natural instincts and making better decisions on the field.
De Villiers also pointed out that Kohli now understands his role goes beyond scoring runs. He wants to express his talent, entertain cricket fans around the world and help the younger generation learn from his experience.
AB admitted that he does not know whether Kohli will continue playing for another two, three or even five years. However, he wants fans to enjoy this phase of Kohli’s career for as long as it lasts.
He also believes young Indian players are fortunate to share a dressing room with Kohli in this state of mind, as they can learn valuable lessons from his experience and approach towards the game.
AB de Villiers Reveals Why Virat Kohli Scares Him Ahead of the 2027 World Cup
The most powerful statement came when de Villiers discussed Kohli’s ability to play freely without overthinking.
De Villiers believes that when Kohli trusts his instincts, he becomes almost unstoppable. What frightens him is the thought of how much further Kohli can take his game and the enormous impact he could have on Team India during the 2027 ODI World Cup.
In AB de Villiers’ eyes, Virat Kohli is nothing short of a superhero. Even after witnessing his greatness from close quarters for years, ABD remains amazed by Kohli’s immense potential and almost superhuman batting abilities. He is scared not of Virat Kohli himself, but of just how unstoppable this extraordinary player could become and the massive impact he could have on the 2027 World Cup.
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