Virat Kohli's World Cup Role Debated as AB de Villiers Reflects on His Evolution

Virat Kohli's role in India's plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup has sparked fresh debate, with former coach WV Raman insisting the veteran must play every series to retain his competitive edge. As the 38-year-old batter continues to add to his legacy, his journey from a confident youngster to a seasoned great is being reflected upon by his peers.

WV Raman believes that if Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are central to India's plans, they cannot afford to be selective. Raman stated that regardless of their vast experience, constant match practice is essential to maintain the sharpness required at the highest level. He stressed the importance of playing all ODI series leading up to the tournament to keep that edge.

In a recent podcast interview, South African legend AB de Villiers revisited his first impressions of a young Kohli. De Villiers admitted he initially found the Indian batter "cocky and arrogant," perceiving him as overly confident. But that view shifted dramatically over time. He explained that Kohli's demeanor was born from a fierce desire to prove himself early in his career. As Kohli matured, that intensity became balanced, transforming the perception of arrogance into one of supreme self-belief. De Villiers noted the change was natural as Kohli grew older and his achievements spoke for themselves.

Rajkumar Sharma, the man who guided Kohli from his formative years in Delhi, has taken on a new role as a mentor for Delhi's cricket teams for the 2026-27 season. His task is to oversee cricket across all age groups, from the Ranji Trophy squad down to the Under-16 level. Speaking ahead of the domestic season, Sharma expressed hope that Delhi could end its long trophy drought, which includes a 20-year wait for the Ranji Trophy. His return to the system is seen as a move to strengthen the pipeline that produced players like Kohli.

The discussion around Kohli's schedule comes as India prepares for a T20I series against New Zealand starting on October 22. While Kohli is no longer part of the T20I setup, the selection of other veterans like Varun Chakravarthy has kept the conversation about experienced players alive. Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif recently grouped Chakravarthy with Kohli, Rohit, and Mohammad Shami as senior figures over 35 who are still relied upon. This highlights the ongoing value placed on seasoned campaigners within the Indian setup as they balance transition with immediate performance goals.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: WV Raman advocates for Kohli to feature in every ODI before the 2027 World Cup. AB de Villiers says his early view of Kohli as arrogant changed as the batter matured. Childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma is now mentoring Delhi cricket. India's T20I squad faces New Zealand from October 22.