AB de Villiers called critics of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma “cockroaches” and claimed that the two Indian superstars are a “generational combo” of brilliance and that cricket fans should enjoy the rest of their illustrious careers.
Both Kohli and Rohit made international comebacks during the recent ODI series in Australia, which India lost 1-2, despite facing rigorous scrutiny in previous months that saw their retirement from Test cricket and T20Is.
Both Kohli and Rohit finished their final tour of Australia on a high note. The former scored 74 not out in his final innings in Australia, while the latter won Player of the Series after getting 73 and 121 not out in the last two games.
“Rohit, another hundred… back in the runs, the Biscotti, going strong and I am looking forward to what’s sort of ahead,” de Villiers said on his Facebook page.
“I honestly just think, if you’re a fan of cricket, it’s really time to celebrate players like these. It’s not often players like these come across our paths. It’s a generational combo of talent that we have here, and it’s really necessary for us to celebrate them and to enjoy the last few years, however long they last,” he added.
However, De Villiers showed no mercy to those who criticized the two Indian players.
“I don’t know what it is about people. I’m not sure if I can call them people. Cockroaches climbing out of their holes as soon as players get towards the backend of their careers. Why?” he asked.
“Why do you want to pour negative energy into players that have given their lives literally for their country and this beautiful game of cricket? This is the perfect time to celebrate them, not now that they have done well. They have taken a lot of criticism in the last few months. Everyone is just trying to push them down for what reason, I have no idea,” he added.
De Villiers hoped there weren’t many people criticizing Kohli and Rohit.
“Obviously, I am referring to the minority because I think the majority of people celebrate Rohit and Virat and their incredible careers. And it is a fantastic time to celebrate them once again,” he said.
