Kohli’s resurgence in ODIs draws praise from across the cricket world
At 37, Virat Kohli is not only leading India’s batting charts but also redefining expectations of longevity in international cricket. Over the past few months, Kohli has delivered a string of performances that have firmly silenced questions about his future in ODIs, placing him once again at the centre of India’s World Cup ambitions.
Following a return from a modest tour of Australia that began with back-to-back ducks, Kohli has since compiled 616 runs in nine matches, including three centuries and three fifties. His clinical performances have propelled him back to the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings after a gap of nearly five years.
Simon Doull praises Kohli’s fitness and drive
Kohli’s recent form hasn’t just caught the eye because of his runs — it’s the way he’s been scoring them. Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull, speaking on Star Sports, lauded Kohli’s athleticism, consistency, and unmatched energy on the field.
“Some of the shots were just crisp and clean. Beyond that, it is how he manoeuvres the field and how he runs between the wickets. There is still an air of youth about him. Despite his age and experience, he’d probably still be the fittest guy on that side. That is professionalism,” Doull said.
In the recent series against New Zealand, Kohli’s 124 in the final ODI stood out — not just for the runs but for the determination he showed while his team faltered around him. The innings added to his tally of 54 ODI centuries and reinforced his status as India’s most reliable No. 3, having already overtaken Ricky Ponting’s 12,662 runs at the position.
A call for extended stay in international cricket
Doull also highlighted Kohli’s relentless competitiveness — the quality that’s defined much of his international career.
“The willingness to keep trying to win games, to drag your team back into the contest when they are so far behind, and to run as hard as he does, for his own runs and for his teammates. There’s so much to love about how he’s playing at the moment. May he stick around in international cricket until he’s 44 or 45 years old,” he added.
Fitness over form: Kohli leads by example on and off the field
While Kohli’s shot selection has dazzled, it’s his fitness that has become the benchmark in Indian cricket. His performance in Indore — where he outran 26-year-old teammate Harshit Rana during a sharp two-run sprint — only underscored his enduring athletic edge.
Even in challenging situations, Kohli’s fielding, sprinting between the wickets, and intensity haven’t waned. His current ODI form — featuring three hundreds and two fifties in the last six matches — reflects a player who’s rediscovered his rhythm while maintaining peak physical condition.
A timely reminder of greatness ahead of 2027
With the 2027 World Cup still more than a year away, Kohli’s recent purple patch couldn’t have arrived at a better time. In addition to his international exploits, he has also registered solid outings in domestic cricket, including one century and one fifty in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi.
As doubts about his ODI longevity fade, conversations are now shifting toward how long Kohli might continue — with analysts like Doull believing the star batter has the fitness, drive, and form to remain a force in Indian cricket well into his 40s.
