AB de Villiers comments on Virat Kohli's early behavior; mistook confidence for arrogance

In May 2025, Virat Kohli's sudden exit from Test matches caused a major shock to Indian cricket fans. Kohli announced his withdrawal from this format just five days after Rohit Sharma did. Despite more than a year and a half passing since this event, debates about the real reasons behind such a sudden decision continue.

Former Indian player Vasim Zafar attracted attention from fans with his outspoken statement on the matter. Discussing the situation on his YouTube channel, Zafar suggested that Virat Kohli might have been dissatisfied with how the entire process of his exit from Test cricket was managed. He noted that the treatment of Virat seemed to have caused him some irritation.

Zafar emphasized that players like Virat attract a large number of viewers due to their popularity on the field. He also stated that Kohli could have played many more matches in the Test format. However, until Virat speaks himself, the true picture will remain unknown. It was known that at the time of his departure, he was preparing for a trip to England.

Vasim Zafar made these remarks in the context of reviewing the tenure of former chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Although Zafar highly praised India's success in white-ball formats during Agarkar's tenure, he expressed strong disagreement with the methods of managing senior players.

It is worth noting that Rohit Sharma announced his withdrawal from Test matches only five days before Kohli, specifically on May 7, 2025. Before the last Test in the Australian tour, Rohit hinted that he did not plan to leave the sport, but his decision several months later raised many questions.

Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh previously revealed that Kohli was actively preparing for the trip to England during the Ranji Trophy tournament, aiming to score three or four centuries there. In contrast, Agarkar claimed that Virat himself expressed a desire to retire in early April.

The question of Virat Kohli's potential debut in Bollywood after retiring from cricket was raised in an interview where former captain of the Indian team, Rahul Dravid, provided comments.

During a conversation with BBC Asian Network, interviewers asked which player from the team could become the best actor in Bollywood. Abhishek Bachchan present at the interview recalled that many cricketers have already worked in cinema. In response, Rahul Dravid mentioned that Sunil Gavaskar had tried acting, as well as Syed Kirmani and Ajay Jadeja, although the latter remained associated with cricket.

When asked about his intentions to try acting, Dravid replied that he does not plan to do so because he knows his strengths and will not deceive himself.

However, after some thought, Dravid mentioned Virat Kohli, noting that he very well imitates other people and possesses excellent mimicry talent. He added that although Kohli does not engage in this as often now, even when he joined the team in his youth, his talent for imitation was outstanding. It was also noted that he actively worked in advertising and became an expert in this field.

The interview host mentioned Anushka Sharma, suggesting she could give Kohli advice since they first met on the set of an advertisement, after which Kohli appeared in hundreds of commercials. Previously, casting director Mukesh Chhabda, in a conversation with Ranveer Allahabadia, also spoke about Kohli's potential in cinema, asserting that he is already a great actor, possessing life experience in Delhi and being a Punjabi, and is able to handle success beautifully in all aspects: competition, appearance, physical fitness, and mental health.

Ultimately, the decision for Virat Kohli to enter Bollywood remains his own, but it is emphasized that if he decides to take this step, he is capable of 'clearing the bowl' of many stars.