Indian batting icon Virat Kohli may be on a break from international cricket, but his hunger for the game is far from fading. Recently spotted at Lord’s, Kohli trained hard before meeting fans and posing for photos – a reminder that even in downtime, he remains committed to his craft.
Since the conclusion of the IPL 2025, Kohli has stepped away from competition to spend time with his family. Yet, his eyes are firmly set on India’s next challenge – the ODI series against Australia beginning October 19 in Perth.
Fitness at the core
For Kohli, fitness is non-negotiable. He made that clear in a conversation with young cricketer Swastik Chikara, who quoted him as saying:
“I will play cricket as long as I’m fully fit. I won’t play as an Impact Player. I will play like a lion. The day I have to reduce myself to just an Impact Player, I will quit cricket.”
That statement underlines his approach: compete fully, or not at all.
Rumours Put to Rest
Speculation about Kohli retiring alongside Rohit Sharma has been firmly denied by the BCCI, which confirmed there are no immediate plans regarding the two stalwarts. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, Kohli’s role is expected to remain central despite the rise of younger players.
The Road Back
His preparation at Lord’s is a signal of intent. Kohli’s comeback against Australia will be closely watched, not just as a return to international cricket but as a test of his ability to keep setting standards for India’s next generation.