AB de Villiers Highlights England Tour as Key for Emerging Indian Talent
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers described the England tour as both a challenge and an opportunity for the Indian team. He said that with Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin retiring from Tests, young players will now have to take responsibility. There is no dearth of talent in India and the IPL has given them international level experience.
Former South African captain AB de Villiers has given an important message to the Indian team before the tour of England. He said that now that senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin have retired from Test cricket, it is time for the new players to take responsibility.
De Villiers said that there is no dearth of talent in India and a lot of credit goes to the IPL. "There are some fantastic players in India and IPL has given them experience at the international level at an early age. ”
He cited the example of 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who recently came into the limelight, who looked mature in his first year. De Villiers said, "There are many young players who prove as soon as they come that they are ready for the big stage. This is a very good sign for Indian cricket. ”
Regarding the England tour, De Villiers admitted that it will be a big challenge, but there is also an opportunity hidden in it. "Playing in England won't be easy, but if these guys show confidence, they can do something special. ”
De Villiers reacts to Virat Kohli's Test retirement
On Virat Kohli's retirement from the Test, De Villiers got emotional and said that he has listened to the voice of the heart. He said, "Kohli has given new heights to cricket around the world over the years. Now even if he does not play in the Test, he will be seen in the rest of the formats. He will definitely be missed in Tests, but the history he has made with the red ball will always be remembered. ”
Kohli is still playing in the IPL and will be seen in the IPL 2025 final on June 3.
It is clear from De Villiers' talk that he is looking at the Indian team more as an opportunity than a challenge – where young players can show their abilities to the world.