Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli has now become one-format player.
After scoring successive ducks in the first two ODIs against Australia, veteran India batter Virat Kohli hit a crucial half-century in the third and final match at SCG on Saturday (October 25).
Chasing 237 to win, the visitors lost skipper Shubman Gill for 24, which led to Kohli’s arrival at the crease. India’s No. 3 played an unbeaten knock of 74 (81 balls) and forged an unbroken 168-run stand with Rohit Sharma (121* off 125 balls) to take the tourists home with nine wickets and 69 deliveries to spare.
After the game, South African legend AB de Villiers urged the fans to celebrate Virat Kohli and allow the Indian stalwart to find balance in life towards the backend of his career.
Having retired from T20Is and Tests, Kohli has now become one-format player. The Australia tour marked his return to international cricket after seven months.
With fewer ODIs being scheduled these days, there is no certainty about Kohli’s participation in the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa.
"I want to remind you guys, that's the kind of player you want to celebrate. Allow him to find his balance in life towards the backend of his career. Just celebrate him. He has changed the game forever. He deserves a bit of a 'thank', and hopefully you play for another five years, if you don't, we are right behind you," said De Villiers while speaking on his YouTube channel.
While the former Proteas captain feels that Kohli can go on for five more years, he said the 2027 ODI World Cup could be his swansong.
"In my opinion, the 2027 World Cup will be his final go at the cherry on the cake on a finish to his career. The IPL is a different story. We might see him go for three or four or maybe even five years. It does not take a lot out of you, even if it is a very intense tournament. You can prepare for those two to three months, but a World Cup is a four-year cycle. Really big build up and takes a lot out of the body and the system and the space that you try to find yourself in, family time. We have heard Virat speak often about how important that is for him," De Villiers added.
According to AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli will have a huge role to play in the team, especially being a mentor for the youngsters.
"He (Virat) plays a huge role in that time from a mental aspect. The kind of confidence the youngsters take from his presence, you can't put a number to that. It is irreplaceable. The kind of impact they have on the players around them and the confidence the other players take from them is absolutely huge. Never forget that even if they do not perform sometimes. They have a huge impact," he remarked.
Virat Kohli will next be in action during the home ODI series against South Africa, starting November 30 in Ranchi