Considered one of the greats of the modern era, Virat Kohli is currently struggling with his batting form in Test cricket. Virat Kohli failed to make an impact in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series but does not intend to retire from international cricket until the 2027 ODI World Cup.
The star batsman could not resist poking balls outside the off stump in the recent series. Kohli shouted at himself after being dismissed on the second day of India’s second innings against Australia in Sydney. It was his eighth sack of the series, with Scott Boland responsible for five of those sacks.
Kohli wants to play for the Indian team till the 2027 ODI World Cup
Virat Kohli’s struggles in the recently concluded series seem to be more mental than technical. The right-handed batsman had only two performances of note – a century in the second innings in Perth and a 36 in Melbourne. Apart from these knocks, Kohli managed just 54 runs from his seven innings.
However, Kohli wants to play for the Indian team till the 2027 ODI World Cup, even though he is going through one of the lowest phases of his career, according to a PTI report. It will be very difficult for the selectors of the Indian men’s national team to make a final decision on the champion player as the team is going through a transition phase.
It is very difficult for the selectors to pick either Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli – former selector
The former national coach has expressed concern over Virat Kohli’s chances of being selected for the tour of England in June without playing red cricket. He emphasized that it will be difficult for the selectors to justify picking Kohli or Rohit Sharma based on their IPL performance alone.
“It would be very difficult for the selectors to pick Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli based on IPL performance or form. There has to be some red-ball cricket for them ahead of the England tour. Otherwise you can’t justify their selections,” former selectors told PTI.
There are no indications that Virat Kohli plans to participate in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, which resumes on January 23. Delhi’s first match is against Saurashtra in Rajkot from January 23-26. After that, Delhi are scheduled to play Railways from January 30 to February 2 in the next round of matches.
India will take on England in their next assignment
India will play a three-match ODI series against England starting on February 6, followed by the Champions Trophy from February 19 to March 9 and then the IPL, which starts in March. Kohli has no chance of playing red-ball cricket unless he skips the IPL to prepare for the England tour.
Kohli is unlikely to miss out on a chance to play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League in 2025. Another possible option for Kohli is to talk to the selectors and play a few India A matches during their shadow tour of England, ahead of the first Test senior team from June 18 in Leeds.
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