Post by : Badri Ariffin

Virat Kohli has expressed that he feels he has achieved everything he set out to do in international cricket, and will only contemplate participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup if he can still make a significant difference for Team India.

At 37, Kohli currently competes solely in the One-Day International format after retiring from T20 Internationals following India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Last year, he also stepped away from Test cricket after an impressive 123-match career.

During a podcast episode for his Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli stated that he remains dedicated to performing at his best whenever he represents India, but clarifies that he won't continue playing merely to validate his status.

Kohli mentioned that if he can still contribute positively to the team's atmosphere and the management supports his presence, he will be open to selection. However, he firmly stated he does not wish to be in a scenario where he has to continuously justify his place.

He emphasized that he applies himself fully during matches, whether batting, fielding, or running, treating every game as crucial and preparing for each delivery as though it could be his last.

Kohli opined that once a player has consistently worked hard and proven their worth, the frequent doubts regarding their value become superfluous. In his view, players deserve either full trust or clear communication about their future with the team.

Despite some scrutiny over his consistency last year, particularly after back-to-back ducks against Australia, Kohli made a strong comeback with key innings against South Africa and New Zealand.

In 2022, Kohli played 13 ODIs, amassing 651 runs, and he has also shown exceptional form in the current IPL season, scoring a century already.

As one of the leading ODI batsmen in history, Kohli has amassed 14,797 runs in 311 ODI matches at an impressive average of 58.71, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar's record of 18,426 runs.

The upcoming 2027 ODI World Cup is set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia during October and November next year.

#world news #Global News #Sports News #Sports