Many were betting on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s downfall even before the India vs Australia ODI series. After both the modern greats failed in Perth, these voices grew louder.

Rohit-Kohli criticism

Some said that Rohit and Kohli weren’t respecting the game since they haven’t played any competitive cricket since early June. That they should have arrived earlier for better preparation. They were taking away spots of players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and even called for their retirement.

After the series ended, the very same people were lauding Rohit and Kohli. Stating that both should play the 2027 ODI World Cup and that no one should have doubted them to begin with.

ABD backs modern greats

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has blasted them, saying that these critics are like cockroaches who climb out of the holes when the opportunity arises.

“I don’t know what it is about people. I don’t know if I can call them people. Cockroaches climbing out of their holes as soon as players get towards the backend of their careers. Why? Why do you want to pour negative energy into players that have given their lives for their country and this beautiful game of cricket? This is the perfect time to celebrate them,” ABD said on his YouTube channel.

Kohli’s former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate added that people should be celebrating them at this stage of their career instead of trying to pull them down.

“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. 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 added.

Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli in Australia ODIs