New Delhi: Just days ahead of India’s much-anticipated ODI series against Australia, Virat Kohli has sparked a wave of speculation with a cryptic message on social media. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Kohli wrote, “The only time you truly fail, is when you decide to give up.”
While the post doesn’t directly address cricket or retirement, its timing has ignited conversations across the cricketing world — especially since Kohli hasn’t played an international match since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
Return After Long Break – But Is It Temporary?
Kohli, 36, has been absent from the cricketing field for months, having stepped away from both Tests and T20Is. His last competitive appearance came during IPL 2025, and since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting his return. The Australia series, starting October 19, marks his comeback to international cricket after a long layoff.
Adding fuel to the buzz, Dinesh Karthik, former India cricketer and current RCB mentor, revealed that Kohli has been training regularly during his break in London. “He is keen to play the 2027 World Cup. He’s been practicing 2-3 times a week, staying match-ready,” Karthik said in a recent Instagram video.
Kohli and Rohit: Still Central to ODI Plans
Despite persistent rumours suggesting the Australia series could be the swansong for both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla has firmly shut down the speculation. “It is up to the players when they want to retire. To say this would be their last is absolutely wrong,” he clarified.
Both Kohli and Rohit remain pivotal to India’s 50-over plans. With their experience and match-winning pedigree, the duo continues to be trusted for crucial assignments like the Australia tour and the long-term goal — the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
Rohit Sharma replaced by Gill as ODI Captain; Kohli and Rohit Included in team against Australia
Kohli’s ODI Legacy
Kohli’s numbers in the ODI format are legendary. In 302 matches, he has scored 14,181 runs at an astonishing average of 57.88, including 51 centuries and 74 fifties. In 2025 alone, he has tallied 275 runs in seven innings, including a century and two fifties.
His performance during the Champions Trophy earlier this year was equally impressive — 218 runs in five matches, with a crucial ton against Pakistan and a match-defining 84 against Australia in the semifinal.
Notably, Kohli has a solid track record in Australian conditions too, scoring 1,327 runs in 29 ODIs at an average of 51.03, including five centuries.
Experience Still Counts?
While emerging stars like Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh, and Tilak Varma continue to push for permanent spots in the playing XI, the presence of seasoned stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit brings a sense of balance.
Gill, who captained India to a recent ODI series win over the West Indies, is seen as the future of Indian batting. But even he acknowledges the value of experience when facing tough opponents like Australia.
Legends Far From Done
As India gears up for the high-stakes series in Australia, all eyes are on Kohli. Whether his cryptic message was a motivational quote or a veiled hint about the future remains unknown. But one thing is clear — the Ro-Ko duo isn’t ready to walk into the sunset just yet.
Their journey in the 50-over format seems far from over, and fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in Indian cricket history.