Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has finally broken his silence about playing in just one format, claiming that he feels fresher than ever after a long break. Kohli smiled when Adam Gilchrist questioned whether he would stay on until the 2027 World Cup.
Australia will host Champions Trophy champions India at home for a three-match ODI series. The series will not only mark the return of Indian greats Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, but also the return of Mitchell Starc to the Australian squad, who did not play in the South Africa ODIs after announcing his T20I retirement.
Captain Pat Cummins sat out the white-ball series in anticipation of Ash’s return after recovering from a back injury. Mitchell Marsh has been appointed as the captain of the Australian team, while young Indian player Shubman Gill will be making his debut as the new captain of the Indian side.
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Virat Kohli reflects on his 15-year journey in international cricket
Virat Kohli appeared in an interview with Adam Gilchrist and Ravi Shastri on FOX Sports and was asked about his time spent as a prisoner of war in Australia throughout his career, his absence from the game for the past six months and how it feels to be back in Australia.
“It’s been a long time since I took time off, so I’ve been catching up with life since retiring from Test cricket. I’ve been able to spend some quality time with my kids and family,” Kohli said of his break from the game.
“The amount of cricket I’ve played over the last 15-20 years. In fact, I haven’t taken any time off at all, if that makes sense. Along with the IPL, I’ve probably played the most matches in international cricket in the last 15 years. It was a very refreshing break for me,” Kohli said in an exclusive interview with FOX Sports.
‘I feel even fitter than before’ Virat Kohli on Adam Gilchrist mentions him playing in 2027 World Cup
There is immense speculation about Virat Kohli’s chances of remaining in the Indian team till the next World Cup, which will be held in 2027, almost two years from now. The veteran’s retirement from two other formats, resulting in limited cricket for several months, has been highlighted as a major concern over his expected retirement.
But for Kohli, the motto was very clear. The goal is to stay healthy and grow over the next two years so that we can participate in the World Cup without making too much noise or hearing cheers. He is yet to even update the BCCI about his decision. However, since arriving in Australia, Kohli has been relatively confident in speaking of his desire to remain in Australia.
“I feel as fit as before, maybe even more fit than before. I’m fresh, fit, moving well in the nets and fielding sessions. And I’m ready to go,” Kohli admitted.
Virat Kohli’s first interview after his Test retirement on Fox Cricket.
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrongxvirat) October 19, 2025
Virat’s international return ends in bitter disappointment
Kohli also thrived in the Australian environment and has a record of 1327 runs in 29 matches for Australia. Kohli, who averages over 50 ODIs, has amassed five ODI centuries against Australians on his own soil. Considering his overall performance, Kohli has scored 2451 runs in 48 ODI matches at an average of 54.46.
But this time, his return to cricket ended in a disappointing dismissal. Virat Kohli was compromised to point off Mitchell Starc’s bowling as the great batsman fell for a duck on Australian soil for the first time on his return to international cricket. Kohli will be hoping for an even stronger return in the next game in Adelaide.
Also read: Watch – Virat Kohli’s comeback ends with 8-ball duck, achieves humiliating record