It has been a significant period since Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli was last seen on the field—81 days, to be exact. This hiatus has led to rampant speculations and endless chatter about his retirement plans. However, Kohli, who recently bid farewell to Test cricket and T20Is, has conveyed a strong and clear message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and his legion of fans from none other than the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. The message: Virat Kohli is far from done. His hunger to return remains fiery as he gears up for an eagerly awaited comeback in Indian white-ball cricket, set on the high-stakes stage of Australia.
Key Highlights of Kohli’s Status and Message to BCCI:
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Kohli has not played competitive international cricket since his Test retirement announcement a month before the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in England.
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He also does not feature in the ongoing Asia Cup, having retired from T20Is last year.
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His eagerly anticipated return is scheduled for the October 2025 white-ball tour of Australia, comprising three ODIs and five T20Is.
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Despite his age (36), Kohli is motivated, fit, and intensely focused on preparing for his comeback.
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Training rigorously at Lord's, Kohli spent two intense hours in indoor batting practice, displaying fierce determination akin to a debutant.
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The veteran cricketer’s ODI record in Australia is exemplary, boasting 1,327 runs from 29 matches at an average exceeding 51, including five centuries.
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His preparation signals a clear intent to push for the 2027 World Cup and maintain high performance standards.
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The BCCI has dismissed rumours of a farewell series for Kohli, emphasizing players decide their retirements independently.
Kohli’s Current Cricket Journey and Return Plans
Since stepping away from Tests and T20Is, Kohli has been intensely focused on mastering the nuances of his batting during net sessions. Photographs recently surfaced online showing Kohli training hard with assistant coaches in indoor nets at Lord’s, where he practiced throwdowns with sharp focus on different types of deliveries—from pace to spin. His training approach has been described as meticulous and highly disciplined, reinforcing that he is returning at full throttle rather than winding down.
Although he is no longer active in multiple formats, Kohli's commitment to representing India in ODIs remains steadfast. The upcoming Australia tour, featuring matches in Perth, Adelaide, and Sydney through October 19-25, marks his return to international white-ball cricket after a long break. Kohli’s past records in Australia symbolize his prowess and experience on foreign soil, making this comeback filled with immense expectations.
BCCI’s Stand on Retirement Rumors and Farewell Series
Adding clarity to the swirling speculations, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla stated unequivocally that there are no plans for an official farewell series for Kohli or his contemporary Rohit Sharma. He stressed the BCCI’s policy that retirement decisions lie solely with players and that until an official announcement is made, both batters are to be considered active international players.
Shukla expressed frustration over premature talks of retirement, pointing out both players’ ongoing commitment to fitness and performance. The BCCI continues to back the duo firmly while looking forward to their contributions in imminent white-ball contests, particularly the high-profile Australia series.
The Bigger Picture: Kohli’s Motivation and Future Prospect
At an age when many cricketers contemplate winding down, Kohli’s aura remains that of a fiercely competitive and hungry player determined to regain the heights of his career. His recent social media posts dispel concerns arising from his visible greying beard or absence from the field. Kohli himself admitted to dyeing his beard regularly—a light-hearted reminder that appearance should not be mistaken for fading passion.
His clear target is the 2027 World Cup, and every training session currently reflects that mission. Kohli is poised not only to contribute runs but also to inspire younger Indian players with his dedication and professionalism.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s recent activities at Lord’s send an unmistakable message to the cricketing community: his chapter with Indian cricket is not closing anytime soon. The Indian fans and BCCI alike have much to look forward to as the king gears up for his comeback, determined to reign supreme once again on the international stage.
Source: Hindustan Times
