Should BCCI Snub Virat Kohli of a Place in 2027 ODI World Cup? Mohammad Kaif Chimes In

Mohammad Kaif backs Virat Kohli amid uncertainties surrounding ODI future.

Should BCCI Snub Virat Kohli of a Place in 2027 ODI World Cup? Mohammad Kaif Chimes In

Mohammad Kaif (via myKhel) and Virat Kohli (via Tanuj Singh X)

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With every passing day and update, the future of Virat Kohli in India’s 2027 ODI World Cup squad becomes a little more uncertain, with many speculating that the upcoming Australian series, might be Kohli’s last dance for Indian cricket.

Having retired from T20I cricket in 2024 after being crowned as World Champions, and Test cricket this May, the only format Kohli is a part of is ODI cricket. With the entire change in culture that Gautam Gambhir as head coach is looking to bring, Kohli may not be guaranteed a spot in the 2027 World Cup.

Gambhir is looking to bring in a fresh crop of young players across all formats. He also wants every player to take part in domestic events and make it a mandatory step for national team selections.

However, Virat Kohli’s white ball numbers are so phenomenal that one cannot ignore his presence. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif on his YouTube channel gave his opinion on Virat Kohli‘s future in ODI cricket.

It’s very difficult to drop Virat Kohli. His record in white-ball cricket, the way he chases targets, finishes matches, and plays match-winning innings, it’s exceptional. His fitness is the best, and he keeps the whole team energetic. He absolutely deserves to be in the team.

Mohammad Kaif via his YouTube Channel

Kaif clearly believes that Kohli has a lot to offer to Indian cricket going forward in the ODI format. Kohli has been one of the giants of the format over the years. He has done everything possible in the last 15 years to announce himself as the greatest One Day International cricketer ever.

Mohammad Kaif deciphers Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

Fans made peace with the decision of Virat Kohli saying good bye to T20I cricket last year. Many felt that, retiring after winning the T20 World Cup is the ideal way for a player of his calibre to exit. However, no one expected the star batter to ditch the white clothing of Test cricket so soon.

Many felt that his retirement from Test cricket would not only create a void in the team but also deny Kohli the chance of surpassing Sachin Tendulkar‘s remarkable 100 international centuries. It was a decision that came out of the blue with many not being able to explain it clearly.

Mohammad Kaif believes Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket due to the dressing room atmosphere.
Virat Kohli in Test cricket (via myKhel)

Mohammad Kaif in his YouTube channel though provided some insights suggesting why Kohli left the longest format in the sport.

Virat Kohli was struggling. There were two reasons behind his retirement. First, he wasn’t able to score runs as his weakness outside the off-stump was getting exposed, and every bowler was targeting him there. Second, he wanted to keep playing, he even wanted to go on the England tour, but certain things happened within the team that made him feel like many people didn’t want him there anymore.

Mohammad Kaif via his YouTube Channel

Kaif believes that the environment in the team contributed to Kohli taking a decision like this in haste. Prior to the English series all players were told to play Ranji Trophy cricket for their respective states and Virat Kohli too stepped into the Delhi dressing room after 14 years.

His Delhi team coach stated that Kohli was very motivated and wanted to turn his fortunes around in the upcoming English series. A news of that sort made fans excited and prepared to see their star dominate. To everyone’s shock Kohli announced time on his marvelous career.

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