AB de Villiers shared that he once recommended to Virat Kohli that he should tone down his emotional intensity for a season in the IPL, but Kohli decided against following the advice. Kohli, known for his fiery attitude on the field, is someone who never hides his emotions, and this was evident in the ongoing IPL season, particularly in the Qualifier 1 against PBKS.
As the IPL 2025 final nears, De Villiers reflected on the time when he told Kohli to approach the game with more control. He suggested Kohli play a season where his emotions didn’t take over, and although Kohli agreed with the idea, he decided not to follow it.
“We’ve discussed this many times before. I suggested he try taking a break for a season, to let go of some of the emotion and just relax a little. I’ve mentioned this to him before, and he agreed it was a good suggestion, but it doesn’t appear to have made a difference,” AB de Villiers said.
De Villiers feels that Kohli’s emotional intensity and aggression are inherent traits of his personality and are among his strongest qualities. The former South African captain noted that Kohli’s achievements stem from his genuine personality, where he openly displays his feelings.
“He doesn’t seem to listen to me. The truth is, it’s just his nature. He can’t help but show how much he cares, and that’s where his passion comes from. Ultimately, it’s one of his strengths. He’s achieved everything in his career and life because of who he is and the way he shows his emotions openly. That being said, I’d like to see him more calm and collected on the field. I’ve discussed it with him before, and perhaps I was wrong,” he added.