AB de Villiers exposes Virat Kohli's friendship-breaking act

AB de Villiers, former South African captain and one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s biggest icons, has made a stunning behind-the-scenes revelation about Virat Kohli ahead of the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3.

The South African legend revealed that he once advised Virat Kohli to hold back his emotions for an entire season and adopt a calmer approach, but the former RCB captain didn’t follow his advice. De Villiers, who shares a great bond with Kohli, wanted him to try playing without wearing his emotions on his sleeve.

AB de Villiers reveals Virat Kohli ignored his advice to tone down emotions on the field

But Kohli, known for his high-energy persona and raw passion on the field, opted to stay true to himself. And the ongoing IPL 2025 season was proof that Kohli hasn’t changed his fierce approach. His fiery celebrations and charged-up presence during the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings were on point.

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AB de Villiers was quoted as saying by India Today, “We have had this conversation many times before. Why don't you try for a season and just get the emotion out of it, just to sort of relax a bit, ok? And I've told him before, and he said, it's not a bad idea, but it seems not to have worked out.”

He doesn't listen to me: AB de Villiers

The former South African captain believes that Kohli’s aggressive and emotional style is his ultimate strength. Reflecting on his earlier advice to Kohli to stay calm and composed during matches, De Villiers now feels he was wrong, as his intensity and passion make him what he is, and that’s natural.

De Villiers signed off by saying, “He doesn't listen to me. So, the thing is, I think it's a natural thing for him. He can't help but show that he cares, and that's where it comes from. So, at the end of the day, it is one of his strengths.

He's come to where he is in his career and in his life because of the person that he is, the fact that he wears his heart on his sleeve. I think I would like to see him as a calmer and more composed player out there, and I did speak to him about it, and I guess I was wrong.”

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Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune Pub faces legal action for Tobacco law violation in Bengaluru

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune pub in Bengaluru has landed in legal trouble once again. The Cubbon Park police have registered a suo motu case against the popular One8 Commune pub for violating the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

The issue came to light during a police drive on World No Tobacco Day (May 31), when officials found that the pub did not have a proper designated smoking area, which is mandatory under the law. The case has been filed under Sections 4 and 21 of COTPA.

Police said that they have taken the action as part of a larger effort to enforce tobacco laws in public places across Bengaluru.