Indian cricket star Virat Kohli is set to make a grand return to the Test arena as India prepares to lock horns with South Africa in a two-match series starting on December 26. Kohli, who had taken a break from international cricket after the World Cup, is expected to unleash his pent-up aggression and reclaim his dominance in the longer format.
Former South African captain and Kohli’s close friend AB de Villiers expressed his anticipation for Kohli’s return, predicting a fiery comeback for the Indian skipper. De Villiers, who has witnessed Kohli’s fierce determination and competitive spirit firsthand, believes the Proteas bowlers should be wary of the former Indian captain’s hunger for runs.
“We will see the best of Virat. I cannot wait to see the chest out, the eye contact with the opposition, and being a bit verbal with everyone. Because he will be fired up for this series. South Africa will need to be careful. This Indian squad is pure world-class,” AB de Villiers stated on his official YouTube channel.
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AB de Villiers also drew parallels between Kohli’s situation and his own experience of facing a World Cup semifinal defeat. He recalled how the 2015 World Cup loss to New Zealand left him feeling emotionally drained and unmotivated. However, he managed to bounce back and lead South Africa to an ODI series victory in India.
“When we had lost in the semifinal in 2015, I can’t remember it is just a blur the next few months. I just didn’t want to know cricket and wanted to just pack my kit away. What works for Virat and Rohit is that they haven’t won a Test series in South Africa. For them, this is a great opportunity.” We had the opportunity to win an ODI series in India just a few months after the 2015 World Cup and I was incredibly motivated as I thought this is the opportunity to show that we were still the best team in the world,” said AB de Villiers.
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Kohli’s return to the Test squad is expected to boost India’s morale and add a formidable dimension to their batting lineup. The two-match series against South Africa will play a crucial role in determining India’s position in the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
