Kohli Playing With Greater Freedom as Career Enters Final Phase, Says AB de Villiers

De Villiers believes the Indian batting great is now approaching the latter part of his career with greater freedom and appreciation for what he has already achieved, while continuing to perform at an exceptional level.

Kohli has enjoyed a remarkable run in ODIs in 2026, scoring 552 runs in eight innings at an average of 78.85 and a strike rate of 118.20. Only India captain Shubman Gill and England’s Joe Root have scored more runs in the format during the year.

“That's a natural thing to happen at the back end of your career, where you realise my days are numbered, whether it's one year or two or three years. Who knows how long Virat will go for,” de Villiers told IANS in a select interaction facilitated by FanCode, the official broadcaster of the World Championship of Legends.

He suggested that Kohli's perspective has naturally evolved after such a long career at the highest level.

According to de Villiers, athletes often spend the middle years of their careers relentlessly chasing trophies, records and individual excellence. As careers approach their conclusion, however, there can be a greater appreciation for the opportunity to have played the sport for so long.

De Villiers said he has noticed that change in Kohli, describing the Indian star as someone who now appears more focused on enjoying the journey, contributing to his teammates and helping younger players.

Kohli recently reached another landmark in Thiruvananthapuram during India’s ODI series opener against the West Indies, becoming only the second batter after Sachin Tendulkar to cross 15,000 ODI runs. He achieved the feat with an unbeaten 139, his 55th ODI century.

For de Villiers, Kohli's evolution has been particularly noticeable when compared with the intensity he displayed earlier in his career.

“I've spoken to Virat and he will recall me speaking to him at the age of 28 to 32 about being too overly intense, to sort of just sit back a bit, work hard on your game and have an impact in other people's lives. That is definitely shining through now more than ever,” he said.

De Villiers also described Kohli's current form as another peak in an already extraordinary career, drawing comparisons with the Indian's prolific periods between 2012 and 2014 and again from 2016 to 2019.

He believes Kohli's change in approach has also influenced the way he bats in one-day internationals. Rather than spending a prolonged period settling into an innings, the former India captain has increasingly attacked from the outset.

Data cited from CricViz shows Kohli striking at around 119 during his first 20 deliveries in ODIs in 2026, significantly higher than his previous best figures of 89 in both 2016 and 2018.

His attacking intent is also reflected in his early-innings shot selection and boundary numbers. During his first 20 balls in ODIs this year, his attacking shot rate has risen to 58.7 per cent, while his boundary percentage stands at 17.9 per cent.

His six-hitting frequency has increased sharply as well, with Kohli striking a six once every 27.4 deliveries in 2026, compared with 52.1 balls in 2025 and 52.9 in 2014.

Asked whether this more aggressive version represents an improved version of Kohli, de Villiers said the change has been helped by the batter appearing more relaxed in the middle.

He pointed to the 2025 Champions Trophy in the UAE as an early indication that Kohli was beginning to embrace a different role, although he felt the batter subsequently returned to some of his previous habits before once again allowing himself to play more freely.

De Villiers said Kohli's instinctive approach could prove particularly effective because of the Indian's enormous experience and understanding of the game.

“He's not so intense and not overthinking the game. He's going a lot on gut feel, it seems,” de Villiers said, adding that Kohli's instinct has generally served him well throughout his career.

Looking ahead, de Villiers also spoke about the prospect of Kohli and Rohit Sharma continuing into India's 2027 ODI World Cup campaign.

He said the decision ultimately belongs to the Indian selectors, but stressed the value of the experience and leadership the two veterans bring to the squad.

“From my point of view, I wouldn't go without Rohit. I think he comes with incredible experience, him and Virat, and the combination, and belief the rest of the squad gets because of the two of them being there is just immeasurable,” de Villiers said.

He added that even if experienced players become less agile in the field with age, teams can adjust their positioning and roles to make use of their knowledge and leadership.

For de Villiers, the value of having Kohli and Rohit around the younger members of the Indian squad extends beyond their individual performances, with their experience potentially providing confidence and guidance as India builds towards the 2027 World Cup.