Virat Kohli’s International Future Predicted By Ex-England Batter Before Champions Trophy

The remaining length of Virat Kohli’s potential future in international cricket has built on a long debate for the last few months. Kevin Pietersen reckoned that the Delhi batter could only himself take a call on his international future.

The Natal-born also reckoned that Kohli bounced back after many pundits and fans wrote him off on innumerable occasions. India’s former captain smashed a fine half-century during the third ODI against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium before the Champions Trophy.

“The question mark comes down to Virat Kohli”- Kevin Pietersen

Kohli had a tough time during the five-match Test series down under in the recent Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, when he smashed 191 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.73, shouldering one century that came in the second innings of the series opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

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However, there is a question mark on his ODI batting. Virat was the leading run-getter of the 2023 ODI World Cup at home with 765 runs in 11 innings at an average of 95.62 and a strike rate of 90.31, thanks to three centuries and six half-centuries at the best score of 117 runs.

“He is one of the greats of the game. There have been too many people who have written him off on too many occasions. You can't write these guys off because of the aura they have when they walk out to bat. The question mark comes down to Virat Kohli.” Pietersen responded during a discussion on Star Sports.

The former batter added that it would always be on Virat to decide how long he is willing to stretch himself to put the hard yards to maintain his lofty standards.

“The question mark doesn't come down to me, you, the selectors, the coaches, and the other players. Virat Kohli can only answer the question in terms of how long he wants to continue and how much fight he has to get better and to create those high standards that everybody expects from him.” Kevin Pietersen highlighted.

Sanjay Bangar enjoys Virat Kohli's good rhythm in England series

Just before the 35-year-old turned up for his rare Ranji Trophy fixture for Delhi against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he spent time with the former Indian batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, in the nets. That offers the former RCB coach keep a close eye on the superstar.

He found a good rhythm in Kohli’s batting during the half-century knock against England in the Ahmedabad ODI.

“He looked in good rhythm. When he got to bat at the start, it proved greatly beneficial to him that he spent time on the wicket. The ball was new, and when two slips and two gullies were placed, he left a lot of deliveries as well. When he got an idea, we got to see the cover drive.” Bangar elaborated.

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“Virat Kohli batted opposite to his usual style against spin. He played many sweep shots. We got to see drives in his traditional fashion and even a six down the ground. We got to see his wristwork and footwork as the innings progressed. These are great signs for the Indian team. He will play the first match of the Champions Trophy after a good innings.” India’s former coach concluded.

Virat Kohli’s performance in the Champions Trophy

The Delhi-born is the 11th leading run-getter in the history of the eight-team tournament, with 529 runs in 12 innings at an average of 88.16 and a strike rate of 92.32, thanks to five fifties.

However, it will be a challenge for Kohli, who will be playing his first ODI at the Dubai International Stadium against Bangladesh on February 20.