Sun Jun 01 13:05:18 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Speculation has surrounded Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket. AB de Villiers, Kohli’s friend and former teammate, believes it was a “gut call.” He acknowledges Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket and anticipates young Indian players, like Shubman Gill, to rise to the occasion and fill the void. De Villiers credits the IPL for providing valuable exposure to young talents, preparing them for international challenges.

**News Article:**

**De Villiers Believes Kohli’s Test Retirement Was a “Gut Call,” Looks to Young Indian Talent**

**Mumbai, India** – Following Virat Kohli’s surprising announcement to retire from Test cricket, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers has weighed in on the decision. De Villiers believes Kohli’s choice was a “gut call,” putting to rest speculation about other potential reasons.

“He followed his gut feel,” de Villiers stated on the sidelines of an NGO event in Mumbai. “I think he has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years…he leaves behind a great legacy with the red ball.”

With Kohli’s and potentially Rohit Sharma’s departure from Test cricket, De Villiers is excited to see younger players stepping up, particularly highlighting Shubman Gill. He further credited the Indian Premier League (IPL) for fostering young talent, citing Vaibhav Suryavanshi and others as examples of players who demonstrate maturity early in their careers.

“Yes, it’s time for the younger guys to step up… There’s lots of talent in India, and largely credit to the IPL for that,” De Villiers said. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for the young Indian team, particularly in England, but expressed confidence in their potential to achieve greatness.

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