
"Those Times Are Gone": AB De Villiers on India’s Test Loss and Virat Kohli’s Legacy
New Delhi — India’s cricketing dominance on home soil has been called into question after losing its first home Test series in 12 years to New Zealand. With the Rohit Sharma-led team trailing 0-2 in the three-match series, former South African captain AB de Villiers weighed in on India’s recent performance and the resilience of its batters. Highlighting Virat Kohli’s adaptability, de Villiers stated that India’s players remain formidable, but the perception of India as an unbeatable fortress has changed.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers praised New Zealand for their skill in adapting to Indian conditions, citing their disciplined spin bowling as crucial in testing India’s batsmen. He stressed that Indian players are still among the best against spin but noted that teams have increasingly leveled up in navigating India’s traditionally challenging pitches.
De Villiers on Virat Kohli’s Global Impact
De Villiers referenced Virat Kohli as a prime example of a player who has succeeded across varying conditions, mentioning his impressive records in South Africa. “When you go to India, it’s perceived that Indian players are the best at playing spin. But no matter how skilled a batter is, a quality bowler on a turning wicket will always put them under pressure," he remarked.
Reflecting on past eras, he added, "The 90s and early 2000s are gone. Teams don’t feel like ‘walking wickets’ in certain conditions anymore. Look at Virat Kohli; he has scored 100s in South Africa as well.”
Changing Perceptions of India’s Home Advantage
De Villiers concluded by noting that the belief of India’s insurmountable home advantage is fading, with teams increasingly capable of competing effectively. Despite the loss, he emphasized that the Indian team’s skill remains undisputed, but the competition has evolved to meet the challenge of playing on Indian pitches.
This statement has sparked discussions around India’s approach to maintaining its edge on home turf while embracing the changing dynamics of international cricket.
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