"Time for the younger guys…": AB de Villiers drops 'gut feel' bomb on Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers believes that India’s young players have the potential to achieve something remarkable in the upcoming Test series against England. De Villiers stated that India’s next generation needs to step up following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

India are set to begin the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle with a five-match Test series in England, starting on June 20. Twenty-five-year-old Shubman Gill has been appointed as the Test captain as the team transitions following the retirements of stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.

The squad will also be without off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who retired during last year’s tour of Australia, and fast bowler Mohammed Shami, who has been left out due to fitness concerns. This marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket, with a focus on youth and emerging talent.

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It’s Time for the Younger Guys to Step Up - AB de Villiers

On Saturday, AB de Villiers expressed confidence in India’s young cricketing talent. He said it is the right time for the next generation to step up under the leadership of Shubman Gill. De Villiers also credited the IPL for playing a key role in nurturing young players.

"Yes, it's time for the younger guys to step up... Shubman Gill taking on the responsibility," de Villiers told the media on the sidelines of a NGO Project Mumbai event here.

"There's lots of talent in India and largely credit to the IPL for that, (it is) really giving great exposure to some of the youngsters at a very early age. We saw Vaibhav Suryavanshi this year (and) many other youngsters, they come in their first year and they look very mature and ready to play cricket and it's a great platform for Indian cricket," he added.

In England, It’ll Be a Tough Test - AB de Villiers

The former South African captain said the England tour will pose a significant challenge for the young Indian squad. He highlighted that the conditions will be challenging, but the team possesses the talent needed to succeed.

"They've got to take some responsibility on in England, it'll be a tough test, but they have all the talent in the world and if they believe, maybe they can achieve something special." De Villiers.

India and England last faced each other in a Test series in 2024, where the Men in Blue secured a convincing 4-1 victory on home soil. Before that, the two teams had drawn a five-match Test series 2-2 during the 2021-22 series, after India lost the final rescheduled match.

Virat Kohli Followed His Gut Feel - AB de Villiers on Test Retirement

AB de Villiers, who shares a close bond with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batsman Virat Kohli, said Kohli will be missed in Test cricket. He stated that Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests was a personal one and added that fans will still have the chance to watch him in other formats.

"He followed his gut feel. I think he has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years. Luckily, we'll still see him on the cricket field. He will be missed in Test matches, there is no doubt about it, but he leaves (behind) a great legacy with the red ball,” de Villiers said.

Also read: Virat Kohli not an all-time great? Ricky Ponting makes big 'numbers have dropped' claim