When AB de Villiers speaks, the cricketing world listens—and this time, he didn’t hold back. The legendary South African batter launched a fiery defense of Indian superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, calling out online trolls and armchair critics with a scathing metaphor: “Cockroaches crawl out to attack” whenever these icons face even a hint of struggle .
De Villiers’ passionate remarks come hot on the heels of a stellar ODI series in Australia, where both Sharma and Kohli silenced doubters with match-winning performances. Rohit’s unbeaten 121 in Sydney and Kohli’s gritty 85 in Melbourne weren’t just about runs—they were powerful rebuttals to the noise surrounding their form and future.
Why AB de Villiers Stepped In
For years, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have carried the weight of a billion expectations. But in recent months, a wave of social media negativity questioned their place in the side, especially as they approach their late 30s. AB de Villiers, known for his grace on and off the field, found this narrative not just unfair—but disrespectful.
“These two have given everything to Indian cricket,” de Villiers said in a recent podcast. “They’ve broken records, lifted trophies, and inspired generations. Yet, the moment they have a quiet game, the same people who cheered them are the first to turn. It’s pathetic.”
His “cockroach” analogy—vivid and unapologetic—struck a chord with fans worldwide, many of whom have grown tired of the relentless criticism directed at aging legends who continue to deliver under pressure.
Rohit & Kohli: Proving the Doubters Wrong
The Australia tour was a masterclass in resilience. At 38, Rohit Sharma looked every bit the ‘Hitman’ of old, timing the ball with elegance and authority. His Sydney century—his 33rd in ODIs—was a blend of patience and power, guiding India to a series-clinching victory.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, fresh off breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most 50+ scores in successful ODI chases, showed why he remains the backbone of India’s middle order . His ability to anchor and accelerate at will remains unmatched in modern cricket.
What Legends Say About Legends
De Villiers isn’t alone in his admiration. Over the years, global greats like Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, and even former rivals have praised the consistency and character of both Indian stars. What sets Sharma and Kohli apart isn’t just stats—it’s their unwavering commitment to excellence, even when the spotlight turns harsh.
Impact of the Australia Series: By the Numbers
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 3 | 191 | 95.50 | 121* in Sydney (match-winning) |
| Virat Kohli | 3 | 162 | 54.00 | 85 in Melbourne (chase anchor) |
These numbers aren’t just impressive—they’re a direct counter to the “past their prime” narrative.
Fan Reactions and the Bigger Picture
De Villiers’ comments sparked a wave of support across platforms like X (Twitter) and Instagram. Fans shared clips of Rohit’s cover drives and Kohli’s chase masterclasses with captions like “Let legends breathe” and “Respect the grind.”
As India gears up for the home series against South Africa and eyes the 2027 ODI World Cup, having veterans like Sharma and Kohli in form—and backed by voices like de Villiers’—is invaluable. Their experience, leadership, and sheer class remain irreplaceable assets.