Table of Content
- Overview
- Kohli’s Record In One Day Internationals.
- Fitness Remains Among The Best In World Cricket
- India Still Needs His Experience
- Consistent Performances In Big Matches
- The 2027 ODI World Cup Could Be A Major Target
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Overview
- Every time a senior cricketer reaches a stage in his career when retirement discussions seem to follow him.
- Virat Kohli is not an exception and fans are discussing on how long will he play One Day Internationals.
- But when you look at his hunger for runs, fitness and his capability to perform in big matches it becomes clear that he has lot to offer.
- Lets know more on why Virat Kohli’s ODI career may not end anytime soon.
Image source- NDTV Sports
Kohli’s Record in One-Day Internationals.
- Virat Kohli has retired from Test Cricket and T20 cricket.
- He continues to play in One Day Internationals with outstanding record.
- Kohli has 14,797 runs in 311 ODIs with 54 centuries and 77 half centuries.
- He has an average of 58.71 and strike rate of 93.82.
- Kohli played well in recent IPL series with top quality performance.
Fitness Remains Among The Best In World Cricket
- His fitness is main reason that makes him a contender of the ODI team.
- He started playing ODI in 2008 and even after 18 years his fitness is the same.
- He plays with same zest in the field and his organised living has aided him in his fitness.
- From fielding in the deep to running between the wickets he has shown great commitment towards the game.
India Still Needs His Experience
- Indian cricket is in a stage where young players are taking significant duties.
- Fresh talent brings thrill but expertise is always crucial in ODI cricket.
- Kohli brings stability to the team and he knows how to cope with stress.
- Young cricketers can know much from him by just being in the dressing room.
- His appearance in the team is a huge plus that selectors should reckon.
Image source- NDTV Sports
Consistent Performances In Big Matches
- Good players are remembered for what they do in difficult times.
- Kohli has played well in close matches when it is needed the most.
- Kohli has the capability to hold nerve and take the team to a commanding place .
- He is a player that the team can rely upon.
The 2027 ODI World Cup Could Be A Major Target
- The 2027 ODI World Cup is some distance away, but fans believe that it could be the reason for Virat to continue to play in the format.
- He has suggested in his interviews that he would like to play in the ODI World Cup.
- He will certainly be in the side if his fitness and form are strong.
- He will be a useful member of the team with his vast experience and skill.
What Does Kohli Say About His Future Plans
In an interaction with Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast he said he does not want to prove anything now. He said “I’m not going out there to prove anything to anyone. I’m going to play because I love playing the game,” He added “people say we believe in your abilities, and then a week later they start questioning the way you operate”.
“We’re in mid-2026,” He added. “I’ve been asked so many times, ‘Do you want to play ’27?’ Why would I leave my home, get my stuff over, and be like, ‘I don’t know what I want.’ Of course, if I’m playing, I want to play cricket, I want to carry on. Playing in the World Cup for India is amazing.”
“Today, my perspective is very clear,” Kohli said. “If I can add value to the environment that I’m a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I’ll be seen. If I’m made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space.
He added, “Because I’m being honest to my preparation. I’m being honest to how I approach the game. I put my head down. I work hard. I’m very thankful to god for giving me everything that I’ve been given in my cricketing career. I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity. And when I arrive to play, I put my head down, I work as hard, if not harder, than anyone else. And I play the game in the right way. You want me to run from boundary to boundary for 40 overs in an ODI game, I will do that without a complaint. Because I prepare accordingly.
Kohli said “I prepare for the fact that I will field 50 overs every ball like it’s the last ball I’m going to play in my career, and I will bat that way and I will run between the wickets that way, and I will do everything possible for the team. After operating like this, if I have to be in a place where I have to prove my worth and value, that place is not meant to be for me. And I am very clear in my head from that perspective.”
Kohli said he was enjoying playing and did not want to prove anything to anyone. He said “That’s why when I went back to play, I was very clear in my head: I’m not going out there to prove anything to anyone,” Kohli said. “I’m going to play because I love playing the game. That’s how I played the Vijay Hazare [Trophy] as well.
Image source- aljazeera
Conclusion
Predicting retirement of great players is never easy and Kohli is perfect example for the same. Despite all the speculations, Virat Kohli’s performance in the team make him valuable. Virat Kohli should decide himself about how long he wants to play. We personally also think that Virat Kohli’s ODI career may not end anytime soon.
FAQ’s
Why do people keep talking about Kohli’s ODI retirement?
Retirement discussions follow senior players who have achieved a lot in their career. But rumours spread faster than truth and Kohli will continue playing ODI cricket.
Will Virat Kohli play the 2027 World Cup?
He will be the part of the team if he is in good form and fitness.
