WATCH: Virat Kohli back home after long break, joins India’s ODI squad for Australia tour
Virat Kohli returns to India after four months to rejoin the ODI squad for Australia, marking his much-awaited comeback to international cricket.
New Delhi: India's star batter Virat Kohli has finally returned to the country after a long four-month break, just in time to join the national team ahead of their departure for the Australia tour. The 36-year-old was spotted at the New Delhi airport on Tuesday, cutting a low-profile figure as he made his way straight to his car, politely ignoring fans' requests for selfies.
Kohli's arrival mark's his return to international cricket for the first time since leading India to Champions Trophy glory earlier this year. He announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, skipped the England tour and spent the last four months in London with his wife Anushka Sharma and their two children.
After the IPL 2025 season ended in early July where he finally ended the 18-year-long wait to lift the trophy with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he had taken a well-earned break. Now, his focus shifts back to the 50-over format as Men In Blue prepares for the three-match ODI series against Australia in Perth, Adelaide and Sydney on October 19, 23 and 25.
Kohli's return adds weight to series
The ODI leg of the white-ball tour has already drawn attention for reasons beyond cricketing rivalry. Kohli and Rohit Sharma's comebacks are the focal point of discussions, especially amid speculation about his international future. The series will be crucial for both Kohli and Rohit Sharma as they face growing scrutiny over their long-term roles in India's ODI format.
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently fueled this conversation when he avoided confirming whether the veteran duo remains part of the roadmap for the 2027 ODI World Cup. That single remark was enough to trigger a wave of debate with many interpreting it as a subtle "perform or perish" message to India's senior-most batters.
However, new ODI captain Shubman Gill has since dismissed that talk, stressing that Kohli and Rohit remain invaluable to the team’s World Cup ambitions. "We need them,” Gill said recently, citing their experience and ability to perform in pressure situations.
Looking ahead
Both selectors and head coach Gautam Gambhir will be assessing how long the senior pros can maintain their intensity at the top level, given they now feature in only one format. To address concerns over match readiness, both Kohli and Rohit are expected to play a few Vijay Hazare Trophy games before India’s ODI series against New Zealand in January.
If that happens, it would mark Kohli's first domestic 50-over appearance in years and Rohit's first since 2018. For now, all eyes will be on Perth, where Kohli's return to international cricket could set the tone for what's shaping up to be a fascinating tour and perhaps a decisive chapter in their storied careers.