India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup begin with the three-match series against England, and former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes Virat Kohli’s form could prove crucial for the team’s success in overseas conditions.
Speaking on JioStar’s Game Plan, Patel said Kohli’s experience and ability to score runs outside India would benefit the entire batting unit as India begin building towards the next 50-over World Cup.
“Virat Kohli’s presence will definitely help this team,” Patel said.
Parthiv Patel on Virat Kohli motivation
Patel acknowledged that Kohli has already achieved almost everything possible in international cricket but believes the pursuit of 100 international centuries could continue to fuel him.
“What has Virat Kohli left to achieve? He won the World Cup in 2011, the Champions Trophy, and the one title that remained, the T20 World Cup, he won that as well. India became the world’s number one Test side under his captaincy, and he also led the team to a series win in Australia,” Patel said on JioStar.
“So, the question for me is how motivated he is. One target could be the hundred centuries. If that’s in his mind, then it becomes a by-product of him scoring runs.”
Patel added that a successful series in England would have a positive impact beyond Kohli’s individual performances.
“And if he scores runs and is in good form in overseas conditions, the rest of the batting unit will benefit as well. Virat Kohli’s presence will definitely help this team.”
England series seen as key World Cup preparation
With the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 set to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, the England tour offers India an opportunity to test themselves in overseas conditions.
The return of experienced players including Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav is expected to strengthen the ODI squad after India’s recent struggles in the T20I format.
Patel believes Kohli’s experience and consistency remain vital as India begin their preparations for the next global tournament.