Live Update: AB de Villiers hails Virat Kohli’s ‘third peak’ ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The former South African club is excited about Kohli’s aggressive proach and consistency in 50-over cricket.
AB de Villiers hails Virat Kohli’s ‘third peak’ ahead of 2027 World Cup (Photo Source: BCCI) Virat Kohli’s recent ODI performances have drawn admiration from cricketing personalities across the world. On September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthuram, Kohli scored 139 runs off 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and 9 sixes, as India managed to chase down 296 in 41.4 overs and win by 8 wickets. The strike marked Kohli’s 55th ODI century and included nine sixes, the most he has ever hit in a single ODI innings.
The aggressive display increased the focus on Kohli’s form and his importance to India’s World Cup plans. Former South Africa batsman AB de Villiers expressed genuine joy at witnessing Kohli’s resurgence in the 50-over format. De Villiers, reflecting on Kohli’s career and mindset, highlighted the positive change in the Indian batsman’s proach ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“I am following his progress with great interest and it makes me very hpy to see his achievements, especially considering that the 2027 World Cup is getting closer and closer.” And what strikes me is the aggressive nature of his proach these days. “It’s fantastic to see him using all his experience and realizing that positivity and good positions bring out the best in him,” Villiers was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
Kohli’s career highlights and current dominance De Villiers contextualized his former RCB teammate’s current form throughout the batsman’s career and identified different phases of excellence. The South African legend noted that Kohli’s aggressive mindset and willingness to take calculated risks have significantly improved his game. Kohli’s latest milestone further highlights his dominance in ODI cricket.
He became only the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to reach 15,000 ODI runs, achieving this feat in 303 innings compared to Tendulkar’s 377 innings. “It’s an incredible form. We saw this form from 2012 to 2014 and then again from 2016 to 2019 and now this is a third peak for him that really takes his game to the next level.
And we often heard him talk about taking his game to the next level and looking at the game a little differently. And you can see that in his positive, aggressive proach. That’s why it makes me very hpy to see him playing the way he is,” said Villiers.
South Africa’s World Cup hopefuls De Villiers also shared his views on the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in South Africa for the first time in over two decades. The former Proteas ctain expressed omism about the tournament and South Africa’s prospects, building on the team’s recent performances. South Africa has won six consecutive ODI series against Australia, demonstrating the strength of the current team.
“I think the cricket will be wonderful, just like it was in 2003, and I hope the Proteas perform better this time than they did then.” From a performance perspective, it doesn’t bring back good memories. But the team looks really strong now.
Most of the players are still relatively unknown worldwide, but I know there is a lot of chemistry between them,” said Villiers. “There is a great (team) culture. Many people can win their cricket games.
And we have now proven it against Australia and secured our sixth consecutive ODI series win against the Australians. So things are looking really good for the boys and once the World Cup starts there will be a lot of hype and a lot of attention from the media and the public,” he concluded.
