Virat Kohli is set to make his return to international cricket as India prepare for their ODI series against Australia later this month. Having stepped away from T20Is and Tests over the past year, Kohli's focus is now entirely on the 50-over format - the one where he has built his greatest legacy.
But with limited ODIs in India's upcoming schedule and growing chatter around transition plans, questions have surfaced over his long-term future. Former India batter Mohammad Kaif believes dropping Kohli from the 2027 ODI World Cup plans would be a huge mistake.
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Mohammad Kaif believes Virat Kohli's record makes him very difficult to drop
Kaif threw his full support behind Kohli while discussing India's roadmap for the next World Cup. He said Kohli's fitness, consistency, and match-winning ability make him indispensable even as India look to groom younger players.
“It's very difficult to drop Virat Kohli. His record in white-ball cricket, the way he chases targets, finishes matches, and plays match-winning innings - it's exceptional. His fitness is the best, and he keeps the whole team energetic. He absolutely deserves to be in the team,” Kaif said.
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Kohli's return comes after a brief break from the game following India's Champions Trophy win earlier this year.
Virat Kohli sets sights on winning another World Cup
A recent clip from a public event showed Kohli expressing his desire to lift another ODI World Cup trophy - 16 years after his first in 2011.
The upcoming Australia tour, followed by ODI assignments against South Africa and New Zealand, will mark crucial opportunities for the 36-year-old to make his name in the setup. Kohli and Rohit Sharma are also expected to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy later this year as part of their preparation.
With both players nearing the twilight of their careers, how the selectors and team management handle them over the next two years will be key to India's plans for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
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