Virat Kohli gets orders to stop playing domestic cricket anymore

Virat Kohli backed not to play domestic cricket anymore [Image Credits: X]

Virat Kohli has been in ravishing form since the ODI series in Australia. The star India batter, who has retired from T20Is and Test cricket and now features only in the one-day format, has remained a vital cog in India’s ODI setup. 

Virat Kohli also registered a mammoth century and a half-century during the mandate two-match Vijay Hazare Trophy.

However, former cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Kohli does not need domestic cricket to stay in touch with the game, stating that the batter remains hungry and eager to perform for his country.

Irfan Pathan lauds Virat Kohli’s passion for the game

Kohli carried his impressive form into the ODI series against New Zealand, scoring 214 runs from three innings at an average of 80. Although he faltered in the second ODI, he produced scores of 93 and 124 in the first and final matches respectively.

Speaking about Kohli’s consistency, Mohammad Kaif praised the batter’s ability to deliver despite not playing domestic cricket regularly.

“Virat has become that player who is seen once in a while now. But he comes, scores runs, and then goes back to London. It has become like that. He comes, scores, and goes. It is not easy to score so consistently when you are not playing regularly,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif highlighted Kohli’s passion, fitness, pride in representing the country, and unwavering dedication, especially ahead of major tournaments and high-profile bilateral series.

“But it is his passion, his fitness, his pride in playing for the country, his knowledge of the game, and his own preparation. He has proved it,” Kaif added.

No need for Kohli to play domestic games?

As mentioned earlier, Kaif also disagreed with the Board of Control for Cricket in India's mandate that requires Indian cricketers, including stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, to play domestic cricket.

He opined that players can gain match practice through other avenues and that domestic cricket is not essential for players whose passion and commitment to the game remain exceptionally high.

“There is no need for him to play domestic cricket now. Anyone can get match practice, but the passion he has is not available in any market. Where will you get that from? Even in the last game, he was the hope. Virat will single-handedly win against 10 players standing in front of him too,” Kaif added.

Virat Kohli’s incredible turnaround in ODI cricket

Virat Kohli’s form in one-day cricket has improved significantly since his retirement from Tests and T20Is, with the impact clearly visible in his numbers. In the ODI format in 2024, Kohli played only three matches, scoring 58 runs at a modest average of 19.3.

However, since 2025, his numbers have seen a remarkable turnaround. Across 16 innings, Kohli has already scored 1,091 runs at an impressive average of 68.5 and a strike rate of 98.5. During this period, he has also registered five half-centuries and four centuries.

Virat Kohli would like to continue his strong run of form in the upcoming ODI series against England. The series is scheduled to begin with the first ODI on July 26, 2026, which will be played at Birmingham.