Former South African and Royal Challengers Bengaluru batsman AB de Villiers has dubbed Virat Kohli’s current batting form as ‘pretty much unstoppable’, citing a comfortable and instinctive style that he believes makes Kohli more dangerous than ever.
Kohli’s form is backed up with on-field results. On September 27, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram, he scored 139 not out off 88 balls in the opening ODI against the West Indies, his 55th ODI century, reaching the mark off only 74 deliveries. In the same inning, Kohli passed 15,000 ODI runs, becoming only the second hitter after Sachin Tendulkar to do so. India chased down 296 runs and won by eight wickets.
AB de Villiers drew a comparison between Kohli’s current batting and his famed 2016 version, claiming that the current form is preferable due to Kohli’s calm and free demeanour at the crease. He remarked that Kohli appears to have dropped the intensity and overthinking that had previously held him back, and is now relying considerably more on instinct developed over a lifetime of playing the game.
What does AB de Villiers believe distinguishes Kohli’s current form?
AB de Villiers traced the beginning of this transition back to the ICC Champions Trophy in the UAE, where he first spotted Kohli taking on a different role. He noticed that Kohli temporarily relapsed to old habits before abandoning them completely. De Villiers also discussed a side of Kohli that he believes the public is now seeing more clearly: one who is more concerned with those around him than with himself.
AB de Villiers added that Kohli, who has retired from T20Is and Test cricket, appears to be mindful of what he wants to deliver in his remaining time at the top level.
Why does de Villiers believe Kohli’s instincts make him so difficult to stop?
AB de Villiers noted that the combination of freedom and gut feel distinguishes Kohli’s current batting from earlier stages in his career. He said that when Kohli does not overthink the game and relies on his instincts, he becomes extremely difficult to restrict.
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He went on to discuss what this mindset could entail for India in the 2027 World Cup, as well as what younger players in the dressing room can learn from Kohli in this state.
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