"Right And Smart Move": AB De Villiers On Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli's T20I Recall

Former South Africa batter and captain AB de Villiers has backed experienced India batters playing in the ICC T20 World Cup and said bringing Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli back for the T20Is after over a year is a "smart move". Star opener Rohit Sharma and batter Virat Kohli returned to India's T20I squad against Afghanistan with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Sunday revealing a 16-player roster for a three-match T20I series starting on January 11.

The senior duo made a comeback to India's T20I setup for the first time since the end of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 and ahead of this year's T20 World Cup.

"I am not surprised. I am happy for both Rohit and Virat. You want to take your best team to the World Cup. I can understand the criticism regarding the youngsters who will miss out after playing all this while. I was in this position at the backend of my career, it did not work out for me like it did for Virat and Rohit. It is a right and a smart move to get your experienced players, who have been there and done that, to play in the World Cup," De Villiers told the media.

He also said that Virat has found a fine balance in his career and is able to spend time with his family well, and it is something he admires. He also said that it is important for Virat to keep his fire for cricket burning as his career progresses.

"Virat grew up with cricket in his blood. This is what kept him going. At the end of my career, my fire was burnt out and I called it quits. It is important to keep that fire burning. He has found a nice balance in his career, has a family and spends time with them. I could have done this better. He looks happy on the field, looks motivated and I wish him all the luck," said the